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Gulf Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Samsung's AI Home in Dubai: A Glimpse into Smarter Living
Samsung Gulf Electronics just dropped a game-changer in Dubai with its AI Home showcase, turning a villa into a futuristic playground of connected tech. Forget boring product demos—this event lets guests live the experience. Unlike conventional product launches confined to retail displays, Samsung's event created a fully immersive environment where guests experienced its connected home ecosystem in real-world scenarios. Eight lifestyle zones replicated familiar spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, showing how AI-powered devices interact and enhance daily life. Neo QLED TVs with near-8K visuals, a Frame Pro TV that doubles as a gallery-worthy art piece, and a Bespoke AI fridge that knows your grocery habits. The Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum? It adjusts suction on its own, while the Odyssey 3D monitor takes gaming to another dimension. All these devices sync seamlessly via Samsung's SmartThings platform, which even plays nice with Amazon Ring and smart curtains. Privacy? Covered. Samsung's SmartThings uses top-tier NOx military-grade security and blockchain to keep your data locked down, automatically isolating any device that's compromised. At the event, Gulf Insider spoke with Guran Nakiboglu, Head of the Home Appliances Division; Shafi Alam, Head of the Direct-to-Consumer Business & Corporate Marketing Division; and Mohamad Sharif Oubaid, Director and Head of the Visual Display Division at Samsung Gulf Electronics. All three Samsung execs said that AI's just getting started. Soon, your home will adapt to you—tweaking lights, temps, and even TV content based on your vibe. The team pointed out that within the next few years, AI will become essential for connected living, as devices increasingly adapt to user preferences and behaviours. AI-powered personalisation will make technology more intuitive and responsive, whether it's managing appliances, adjusting lighting and temperature, or generating on-screen content. They highlighted how innovations like Samsung's Frame TV, which displays curated art when not in use, and the Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vacuum, which automatically adjusts suction based on floor types, are already paving the way for smarter, more adaptable homes. However, they noted that many consumers aren't yet fully leveraging the capabilities of their smart devices, and events like the AI Home showcase help bridge this gap.
Gulf Insider
14-04-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Insider
The All-New Audi A5: Test-Driving a New Benchmark in Bahrain
Bahrain's roads offer a unique kind of testing ground. From the sharp turns of city streets to the long, open stretches cutting through desert and coastline, they demand versatility from any car worth its salt. Enter the all-new Audi A5—an executive sedan that doesn't just show up, but shows what's next for the brand. Replacing the long-standing A4, the A5 signals a bold new direction for Audi. It's sharper in design, smarter in technology, and engineered for a driving experience that feels thoroughly modern. Whether navigating roundabouts in the capital or gliding down the highway towards the causeway, the A5 brings confidence, clarity, and a touch of understatement to every drive. One of the first things you'll notice is the exterior design. The proportions are sleeker, the edges more defined, and everything feels more aerodynamic and deliberate. Even the Audi badge has been flattened—literally. A subtle change, perhaps, but one that symbolises the brand's evolution towards minimalism and precision. The new front and rear LED lighting systems (yes, fully electric and adaptive) are more than just aesthetic upgrades. They're functional, striking, and part of Audi's ongoing mission to turn lighting into art. The taillights, especially the optional OLED versions, give the car a distinctive signature that stands out whether you're parked in the Seef district or gliding down the highway at dusk. Step inside, and you're greeted by a digital command centre that doesn't overwhelm. The massive curved display incorporates three key screens: a 14.5-inch MMI infotainment system, an 11.5-inch digital driver display, and a passenger-side 10.9-inch screen with a privacy mode to keep distractions to a minimum. The system is intuitive, fast, and actually pleasant to use—something that can't be said for every touchscreen-heavy car in this class. It's the little things that make the biggest impression. Audi hasn't just gone digital—they've gone practical. Boot space is vast for this class, offering 445 litres of storage with the seats up and over 1,200 litres with them down. For weekend escapes or a family grocery run, it's more than enough. Now for the fun bit. Driving the A5 in Bahrain is a reminder that good engineering doesn't have to scream for attention. The 40 TFSI variant, with 204 hp and 340 Nm of torque, has enough punch to make merging onto the highway a thrill, without turning every drive into a performance test. It's refined, confident, and predictably smooth—ideal for navigating through the tight corners of Manama or cruising along the open causeway. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gulf Insider (@gulfinsider) But if you're after something more visceral, the S5 delivers in spades. Its 3.0L V6, producing 367 hp, launches the car from 0–100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds. It's fast—no question—but it's also composed, thanks to quattro all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension. On the sweeping bends near Bahrain International Circuit, it felt at home. Controlled, planted, and ready to play. This isn't just a facelift. The all-new Audi A5 sets the benchmark for what future Audis will look and feel like. It's premium, yes—but not in a showy way. It's smart, elegant, and very aware of what modern drivers value: technology that works, performance that excites without draining fuel tanks, and design that feels as good to live with as it does to show off. Whether you're tackling rush hour in Juffair or heading out on a scenic drive along the coast, the A5 makes every trip feel like a proper drive. As for Charlie's verdict after a full Audi Day Out? This one's not just good—it's the beginning of something great.
Gulf Insider
17-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
ATME's CEO Delves Into Tokenizing Real World Assets
As the fintech industry continues to evolve, Bahrain is positioning itself as a key player in the Middle East, fostering innovation and digital transformation. The Kingdom of Bahrain's proactive approach to regulation, coupled with its robust infrastructure, has attracted fintech companies leading the charge in the region. One such company is ATME, a pioneer in the tokenization of real-world assets (RWA). By leveraging blockchain technology and focusing on security tokens, ATME is reshaping how businesses raise capital and how investors access previously exclusive opportunities. However, this rapidly changing landscape isn't just about cryptocurrency—there are complexities around digitizing real-world assets, ensuring investor protection, and navigating the regulatory challenges of this emerging sector. Gulf Insider spoke with Alex Lola, CEO of ATME, to delve deeper into the role of digital assets in Bahrain's financial markets and how ATME is contributing to the growth of fintech in the Kingdom. Digital assets come in various forms. The most common are cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, stablecoins such as USDT and USDC, and security tokens. A security token, in particular, represents a legally binding contract between the issuer and the investor, which can be created and exchanged. The key thing to understand is that security tokens are regulated financial instruments, whereas cryptocurrencies are typically not backed by tangible assets. The distinction between cryptocurrencies and security tokens lies in regulation and investor protection. Cryptocurrencies often exist in a largely unregulated space and are backed by little more than the promises of a project. In contrast, security tokens are legally binding contracts that represent ownership or a share in an asset, offering protections that cryptocurrencies do not. Security tokens can be enforced in a court of law, providing investors with legal recourse. ATME is a digital assets exchange based in Bahrain, focused on the tokenization of real-world assets. By converting physical assets into blockchain-based tokens, we provide businesses, particularly mid-sized enterprises, a more inclusive, efficient and cost-effective way to raise capital. Our platform also gives investors access to opportunities that were previously out of reach, enabling fractional ownership of high-value assets. Tokenization offers a more flexible and efficient capital-raising channel for businesses. For mid-sized companies, it's a game-changer, as they often have limited options to finance growth. For investors, tokenization democratizes access to a wider range of investment products, making it possible for anyone to invest in assets like real estate, aircraft, or even shares in private businesses. The process is straightforward. Businesses sign up on our platform, complete the standard Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, and then create a wallet linked to a banking account. Funds are stored securely with our partner banks in Bahrain. Once everything is set up, businesses can easily launch a tokenized asset offering, allowing investors to participate with just a few clicks. Blockchain technology is the backbone of our security infrastructure. It ensures transparency, data integrity, and immutability of transactions. All activities on the platform are recorded on the blockchain, providing an open and auditable record. Additionally, ATME is fully licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Bahrain, which provides a layer of security and investor protection that many unregulated projects lack. In five years, digital assets and tokenization will become mainstream. As adoption increases, we will see more businesses, especially mid-sized ones, embracing tokenization as a primary method of raising capital. This shift will create a more inclusive and efficient economy in Bahrain and the GCC. It's not just about cryptocurrencies anymore—tokenization will allow everyday investors to access a wide range of previously inaccessible assets, from private equity to real estate and beyond.
Gulf Insider
16-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Visa Bahrain: An Exclusive Interview With Malak AlSaffar on Driving the Cashless Future
While Bahrain has emerged as a leader in digital payments, outpacing many of its regional counterparts, a recent report on Bahrain by Visa highlighted that 17% of financial transactions continue to be cash-based. The number, although small, uncovers the money habits of consumers in the Kingdom. Soon after the report was released, Gulf Insider sat down with Malak AlSaffar, Country Manager, Visa Bahrain to learn more about the Where Cash Hides study, why 17% of Bahrain's population still relies on cash transactions, and what measures are being taken to reduce this number even further. Visa's 'Where Cash Hides research, conducted by Ipsos, surveyed (online) 2,800 individuals from the general population across the GCC (400 in Bahrain) and included questions about the overall frequency of and motivations for cash usage. The research was completed in August 2024. From empowering small businesses and fintech startups to enhancing digital security and expanding cashless solutions, the discussion explores the latest technologies, challenges in reducing cash dependency, and Visa's collaborative efforts with banks, regulators, and fintechs to shape the future of finance in Bahrain. The purpose of the study was to identify the segments and categories where cash continues to be used. As we all know, Bahrain is very digital. However, by surveying 400 consumers, we aimed to understand what motivates cash transactions and how we, along with our partners in Bahrain's government, can engage those segments and reduce cash usage, creating a more convenient digital landscape for all consumers in the country. Bahrain is undeniably a leader in digital payments, and we're very pleased with the progress made. Even at 17%, cash usage is relatively low compared to our GCC neighbours, highlighting the success of Bahrain's digital transformation. Our research revealed that most Bahrainis are digitally native, which is a testament to the government's forward-thinking digital agenda over the past few years. The push towards digitalising payments has been a remarkable advancement, and we're proud to have partnered on several key initiatives to support this progress. That said, there are still areas where cash remains prevalent. Around 28% of surveyed consumers indicated that they still use cash regularly, primarily for tipping, while 54% noted that cash is still used for peer-to-peer transactions in certain situations. However, for everyday spending, the reliance on cash has been steadily decreasing. While 17% is still a phenomenal number, we're eager to see the momentum continue as Bahrain moves closer to becoming a fully cashless society. Let's examine why people are still using cash. Our research highlights speed, convenience, and habit as the key reasons, even within the specific categories I mentioned. One of our main priorities is educating consumers about the benefits of digital payments while also ensuring they have access to them. It's essential that everyone, everywhere, can obtain a digital payment credential and, just as importantly, the means to accept digital payments. We approach this from both sides of the payment landscape—facilitating digital transactions for consumers and enabling businesses to accept them seamlessly. Visa's 'Where Cash Hides research, conducted by Ipsos, surveyed (online) 2,800 individuals from the general population across the GCC (400 in Bahrain) and included questions about the overall frequency of and motivations for cash usage. The research was completed in August 2024. According to the study, individuals aged 30 to 39 years are the least reliant on cash for peer-to-peer and day-to-day transactions, with 55% of respondents in this age group reporting that they use digital payments for at least 8 out of 10 transactions. Malak AlSaffar Visa's 'Where Cash Hides research, conducted by Ipsos, surveyed (online) 2,800 individuals from the general population across the GCC (400 in Bahrain) and included questions about the overall frequency of and motivations for cash usage. The research was completed in August 2024. We are fully committed to supporting Bahrain's objective of creating a cashless payment landscape, which is a top priority for us. A key part of our strategy is investing heavily in solutions that drive this transition. For instance, we've identified key barriers to reducing cash reliance, such as peer-to-peer payments. Visa has the ideal solution in Visa Direct, which enables digital peer-to-peer transactions. Our focus is on bringing Visa Direct to the market to enhance consumer access to seamless digital payments. Another challenge is payment acceptance. Not everyone has the right acceptance channels, which is why we are introducing solutions like Click-to-Pay. This simplifies e-commerce transactions, ensuring users can pay as easily online as they do via point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Similarly, our Tap to Phone solution enables merchants to accept payments directly on Android devices, eliminating the need for costly POS systems. This is particularly beneficial for micro and small businesses, making digital acceptance more accessible and affordable. Beyond major launches, we also recognise the importance of the creator and gig economies, particularly SMEs, which form a key part of ING's ecosystem. To support this sector, we collaborate with partners to develop tailored products and educational initiatives. For example, we work with banks to launch SME cards, providing better access to financial services. Additionally, programmes like She's Next empower women entrepreneurs through grants, mentorship, and resources, helping them build financially secure and digitally enabled businesses. Through these efforts, we continue to advance digital transformation in a way that is both practical and inclusive for the entire ecosystem. Security and innovation remain key pillars for Visa. To provide consumers with the reassurance they need, they must have complete trust in the services we offer. Globally, we have invested over $10 billion in technology over the past five years to ensure the highest standards of safety and security. We leverage cutting-edge advancements in tokenisation and artificial intelligence to enhance our fraud monitoring systems. E-commerce is an area where consumers often feel most uncertain about payment security. Our Visa acceptance platform, CyberSource, integrates some of the most advanced security technologies, including tokenisation, which ensures card details remain safe and protected across online transactions. Beyond financial investment, we place significant emphasis on consumer education, particularly in markets like Bahrain, where different demographics may have varying levels of familiarity with digital payments. Last year, we launched the Stay Secure programme in Bahrain, an awareness campaign designed to educate consumers on identifying fraudulent websites, scams, and phishing attempts. Our research revealed that nine out of ten people express concerns over potential online fraud, highlighting the urgent need for continued education. As we drive the shift towards a cashless society, in alignment with both government objectives and Visa's vision, ensuring that consumers not only adopt digital payments but do so safely and confidently remains a top priority. At the core of what we do is collaboration. We work closely with partner banks, financial institutions, government bodies, and stakeholders across the ecosystem to build a robust digital payment infrastructure. Visa has played a pivotal role in Bahrain for many years, continuously innovating alongside our partners to enhance the payment landscape. Looking ahead, our focus remains on strengthening these collaborations. One key initiative is the Visa Everywhere Initiative , which we have now launched twice. This programme invites fintech startups from Bahrain to compete for a Visa grant, providing them with access to a global platform to showcase their solutions. Beyond fintech, we are committed to fostering inclusive growth through initiatives like She's Next . In 2024, we introduced this global programme to Bahrain in partnership with Bahrain Islamic Bank, Bahrain FinTech Bay, and Innovate for Bahrain. This initiative is designed to support and empower Bahraini women entrepreneurs by equipping them with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to succeed. Crucially, Visa does not introduce solutions in isolation—we bring them to market in collaboration with our ecosystem partners. Our role, both in Bahrain and globally, is to empower everyone, everywhere, by driving financial inclusion and innovation. Through this discussion, it's clear that Bahrain is already recognised as one of the most advanced financial services hubs in the GCC. We are fortunate to have a visionary government that has made digitalisation a national priority. Take BenefitPay, for example. With innovations like it, Bahrain is well-positioned to continue driving digital payments forward. I'm particularly excited about the advanced regulations that will further support innovative fintechs and startups, strengthening the ecosystem even further. While significant progress has been made in reducing cash usage, there is still room to push that 17% figure even lower and create a truly digital economy. Cash still lingers in everyday transactions—whether at petrol stations or in tipping culture—and these are areas where we can explore new, innovative solutions. By working closely with our partners, regulators, and banking institutions, we can continue to identify and eliminate these last pockets of cash dependency, driving the country towards a fully cashless future.
