Latest news with #JadAntoun
TECHx
26-04-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Why AI Startups Choose the UAE as Their Global Launchpad
Home » Startups » Why AI Startups Choose the UAE as Their Global Launchpad AI startups from around the world are choosing the UAE as their base, speakers revealed at the Dubai Assembly for AI, part of Dubai AI Week 2025. They highlighted the country's fast pace of innovation and its growing reputation as a hub for research and talent. During a session titled 'Dubai as a Launchpad: Competing on the Global Stage,' Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder and Chief Wizard of explained why his company moved its headquarters to Dubai. He said the UAE offers market stability, high demand across the GCC, and a government that supports AI-powered platforms. He added that with capital, talent, and R&D aligned, the UAE has all the ingredients to become a global hub for breakthrough technologies. Similarly, Jad Antoun, CEO of Huspy, called the UAE's Golden Visa programme a 'gamechanger.' He said it provides the stability needed to build a global company and attract world-class talent. Meanwhile, Lin Kayser, CEO of Leap71, shared his experience of moving to Dubai. He noted the supportive environment and openness to innovation, describing it as a 'breath of fresh air.' Overall, speakers agreed that AI startups in the UAE benefit from strong government support, a stable market, and easy access to regional and global opportunities. As a result, more companies are expected to join the UAE's growing AI ecosystem.
Mid East Info
25-04-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai Emerges as Global Launchpad for AI Startups - Middle East Business News and Information
'Velocity of innovation' and supportive legislation drive surge in international AI founders, Dubai AI Week hears Dubai, April 2025 — AI startups from across the globe are increasingly choosing the UAE as their base, drawn by the country's accelerating pace of innovation and growing reputation as a research and talent hub, speakers revealed at Dubai Assembly for AI, part of Dubai AI Week 2025. In a session titled 'Dubai as a Launchpad: Competing on the Global Stage', Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder and Chief Wizard of shared why the startup moved its headquarters to Dubai: 'There's massive demand across the GCC, and the market's inherent stability makes it the perfect base. The leadership here is incredibly open to building AI-powered platforms, and the legislation reflects that.' He added: 'I have a strong sense that the pace of innovation in Dubai is accelerating rapidly. When capital, talent, and R&D support are aligned, the UAE has all the ingredients to become a true global hub for advanced research and breakthrough technologies.' Jad Antoun, CEO of Huspy, described the country's Golden Visa programme as a 'gamechanger,' adding that the UAE 'provides the stability to build a global company—and attract great talent.' Lin Kayser, CEO of Leap71, reflected on his move to Dubai: 'I've been founding companies for 30 years, and when we moved here, it was a breath of fresh air. People were supportive and open. They said: That's cool—let's do it.' In a session titled 'Global CAIOs: Early Study Findings by Dubai Future Foundation & IBM', attendees heard how AI is transforming Dubai's government entities. Mohammed AlMudharreb, Executive Director of the Corporate Technical Support Services Sector and CAIO at RTA, said: 'Our chatbot has already handled over 23 million conversations. These are the results you get when data, alignment, and execution come together—but we're still just scratching the surface.' Juma AlGhaith, Advisor to the General Manager and CAIO at Dubai Customs, added: 'AI isn't just improving how things work—it's giving us a chance to rethink and transform them completely.' Mario Nobile, Director General of the Agency for Digital Italy, emphasised that 'coordination, not competition, will define AI leadership.' Presenting findings from a new global survey of 624 Chief AI Officers across 22 countries, Anthony Marshall, Senior Research Director at the IBM Institute for Business Value, said: 'Only 25% of executives believe their infrastructure is ready for AI at scale. While the average CAIO leads a team of just five people, the expectations placed on them are enormous.' A panel titled 'Fuelling the Future: Investing in AI Startups within Dubai's Ecosystem' showcased how Dubai is cultivating a thriving AI startup landscape. Akshat Prakash, CTO and Co-founder of said: 'Dubai offers a rare combination of cultural diversity, strategic location, and a supportive innovation ecosystem—making it an ideal environment to build a truly global company.' Nuha Hashem, Co-founder of CozmoX AI, highlighted the region's proactive role in the AI age: 'During the dotcom boom, this region lagged in adoption. But with AI, we're building in real time. Companies here aren't just catching up—they're creating world-first solutions, sometimes before the trend even goes global.' She added: 'As a female founder in the UAE, I feel empowered. Your vision and your work matter more than your gender—and that's powerful.' In a fireside chat titled 'Revolutionising Education Through Metaverse and AI', Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, compared today's AI revolution to the early resistance against calculators in schools. 'Back then, people weren't allowed to use calculators in math. Today, the same accusations are being thrown at AI. But just like calculators deepened our understanding, AI will do the same across subjects,' he said. He warned that without accessible infrastructure, AI could widen global inequalities: 'Governments once subsidised calculators until solar versions solved the energy issue. But AI requires compute and training data. Without grants and licenses, it won't be equally accessible—and we risk creating a digital divide.' Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, Dubai AI Week is hosting participants from more than 100 nationalities, over 180 speakers, 150+ sessions and workshops, and 140+ activities. Taking place from 21-25 April 2025, the event convenes global thought leaders from startups, corporates, governments, and academia to shape the future of AI.
Business Recorder
24-04-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dubai AI Week: Huspy launches region's ‘first AI-powered mortgage chatbot'
Dubai-based proptech startup Huspy launched what it said is the GCC's first AI-powered mortgage chatbot on WhatsApp during Dubai AI Week 2025, as Pakistani interest in Dubai real estate continues to soar. 'This is more than just a technological milestone — it is a step toward a fully digital and frictionless home financing experience, in line with the UAE's vision for AI and innovation,' said Jad Antoun, founder & CEO of Huspy in a statement released on Thursday. Dubai to lead next wave of AI development: Crown Prince 'The UAE's real estate sector continues to experience high demand, and now with AI, we are excited to power the future of home mortgages,' he added. Huspy provides users with access to interest rate usage, real-time mortgage comparisons from a wide network of UAE banks, tailored eligibility assessments, and clear guidance on required documentation. 'At Huspy we are on a mission to radically transform the home buying journey, simplifying every step for the users with technology and innovation,' Antoun said. He noted that UAE's AI market is expected to grow from approximately $3.47 billion in 2023–2024 to $46.33 billion by 2030, and will contribute 14% of the GDP. The launch comes at a time of significant expansion in the UAE's real estate market, following record highs in 2024 when the UAE saw home sales exceed $243 billion in transactions, with mortgages growing to over $62 billion, the statement noted. Huspy said it is the UAE's largest mortgage provider, processing 25% of home financing in Dubai. In an exclusive chat with Business Recorder back in 2022, Huspy had said it has Pakistan's buyers and investors on its radar as it doubles down on the growth opportunity for its property platform. 'Pakistanis have been among the top 10 nationalities of home-buyers in Dubai for a number of years. They, in fact, own over $10 billion worth of properties in Dubai,' Azzam Fakhoury, then Head of Real Estate at Huspy, had told Business Recorder at the time. 2024: Pakistanis among top 5 buyers of real estate in Dubai 'We work to help both end-users and investors in Pakistan as well as other countries by finding the property, getting financing from their bank of choice at the lowest interest rate, and closing the deal,' he had added. Dubai AI Week kicked off on Monday. Taking place from 21-25 April 2025, it will bring together over 10,000 participants from more than 100 nationalities, with attendees including global experts, entrepreneurs, policymakers, regulators, investors and tech innovators. At the start of the week, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, said AI is crucial to shaping Dubai's future and those who do not embrace it will fall behind.
Hi Dubai
24-04-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Rises as a Powerhouse for AI Startup Launches
AI startups from around the world are increasingly establishing roots in the UAE, drawn by its accelerating innovation ecosystem and rising reputation as a hub for research and talent. The trend was highlighted at the Dubai Assembly for AI, part of Dubai AI Week 2025. In a panel titled Dubai as a Launchpad , Sachin Dev Duggal, Founder and Chief Wizard of said Dubai's market stability and pro-innovation leadership made the UAE a strategic choice. 'The demand across the GCC is massive, and the legislation reflects a real openness to AI-powered platforms,' he said. Other speakers echoed this sentiment. Jad Antoun, CEO of Huspy, called the UAE's Golden Visa programme a 'gamechanger' for talent attraction, while Leap71 CEO Lin Kayser described Dubai as 'a breath of fresh air' for founders. The event also spotlighted AI's impact within the public sector. RTA's Chief AI Officer, Mohammed AlMudharreb, revealed their chatbot had handled over 23 million conversations. 'When data, alignment, and execution meet, results follow,' he said. A global survey presented by IBM and the Dubai Future Foundation showed just 25% of executives believe their infrastructure is ready for AI at scale, underscoring the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, in a discussion on investment, startup leaders praised Dubai's diverse, strategically positioned, and innovation-friendly environment. 'With AI, the region isn't just catching up—it's leading,' said CozmoX AI co-founder Nuha Hashem. In a fireside chat, Animoca Brands' Yat Siu likened AI's educational role to the early days of calculators, warning that without equitable access to infrastructure, AI could deepen global divides. As momentum builds, Dubai is positioning itself not just as an adopter of AI, but as a global leader shaping its future. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Dubai emerges as global launchpad for AI startups
DUBAI, UAE: AI startups from across the globe are increasingly choosing the UAE as their base, drawn by the country's accelerating pace of innovation and growing reputation as a research and talent hub, speakers revealed at Dubai Assembly for AI, part of Dubai AI Week 2025 . In a session titled "Dubai as a Launchpad: Competing on the Global Stage", Sachin Dev Duggal, founder and chief wizard of shared why the startup moved its headquarters to Dubai. "There's massive demand across the GCC, and the market's inherent stability makes it the perfect base. The leadership here is incredibly open to building AI-powered platforms, and the legislation reflects that." He added, "I have a strong sense that the pace of innovation in Dubai is accelerating rapidly. When capital, talent, and R&D support are aligned, the UAE has all the ingredients to become a true global hub for advanced research and breakthrough technologies." Jad Antoun, CEO of Huspy, described the country's Golden Visa programme as a "gamechanger," adding that the UAE "provides the stability to build a global company--and attract great talent." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads View Deals Undo Lin Kayser, CEO of Leap71, reflected on his move to Dubai saying, "I've been founding companies for 30 years, and when we moved here, it was a breath of fresh air. People were supportive and open. They said: That's cool--let's do it." In a session titled "Global CAIOs: Early Study Findings by Dubai Future Foundation & IBM", attendees heard how AI is transforming Dubai's government entities. Mohammed AlMudharreb,executive director of the Corporate Technical Support Services Sector and CAIO at RTA, said, "Our chatbot has already handled over 23 million conversations. These are the results you get when data, alignment, and execution come together--but we're still just scratching the surface." Juma AlGhaith, advisor to the general manager and CAIO at Dubai Customs, stated, "AI isn't just improving how things work--it's giving us a chance to rethink and transform them completely." Mario Nobile, Director-General of the Agency for Digital Italy, emphasised that "coordination, not competition, will define AI leadership." Presenting findings from a new global survey of 624 Chief AI Officers across 22 countries, Anthony Marshall, Senior Research Director at the IBM Institute for Business Value, said, "Only 25 percent of executives believe their infrastructure is ready for AI at scale. While the average CAIO leads a team of just five people, the expectations placed on them are enormous." A panel titled 'Fuelling the Future: Investing in AI Startups within Dubai's Ecosystem' showcased how Dubai is cultivating a thriving AI startup landscape. Akshat Prakash, CTO and Co-founder of said, "Dubai offers a rare combination of cultural diversity, strategic location, and a supportive innovation ecosystem--making it an ideal environment to build a truly global company." Nuha Hashem, Co-founder of CozmoX AI, highlighted the region's proactive role in the AI age, noting, "During the dotcom boom, this region lagged in adoption. But with AI, we're building in real time. Companies here aren't just catching up--they're creating world-first solutions, sometimes before the trend even goes global." She added, "As a female founder in the UAE, I feel empowered. Your vision and your work matter more than your gender--and that's powerful." In a fireside chat titled 'Revolutionising Education Through Metaverse and AI', Yat Siu, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Animoca Brands, compared today's AI revolution to the early resistance against calculators in schools. "Back then, people weren't allowed to use calculators in math. Today, the same accusations are being thrown at AI. But just like calculators deepened our understanding, AI will do the same across subjects," he said. He warned that without accessible infrastructure, AI could widen global inequalities: "Governments once subsidised calculators until solar versions solved the energy issue. But AI requires compute and training data. Without grants and licences, it won't be equally accessible--and we risk creating a digital divide."
