Latest news with #digitalinnovation
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Weyay Bank concludes successful digital innovation summer program for "Jeel" customers
Weyay Bank has successfully wrapped up its summer program designed for "Jeel" customers, aged 8 to 14. The closing ceremony highlighted the positive atmosphere and creative spirit that flourished during the multi-week workshops. This season's program focused on programming and digital innovation through Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, underscoring Weyay's commitment to empowering the next generation in increasingly essential digital fields. The program offered engaging workshops that covered: AI-Powered Game Development: Participants delved into the world of game design and creation, exploring AI fundamentals and their practical applications. Virtual Reality Environment Development: These workshops provided participants with hands-on experience in designing virtual reality environments, opening new horizons in digital innovation. Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Participants gained vital knowledge on safe internet Browse and protecting personal data – an essential skill in our fast-paced digital world. The enthusiasm and positive interaction observed among participants, trainers, and the program content demonstrated their passion for learning and readiness to explore new technological realms. The program also significantly contributed to building their self-confidence and fostering creative thinking. Investing in Kuwait's Digital Future Commenting on the program's success, Fawaz AlNakib, Partnership Manager at Weyay Bank, stated: "At Weyay Bank, we believe that building Kuwait's digital future starts with empowering the rising generation. As Kuwait's first digital bank, we see our duty extending beyond providing innovative banking services to include investing in the minds of the next generations. The Weyay Summer Program was a living testament to this commitment." AlNakib added: "The 'Jeel' card and app are not just financial tools; they are a gateway to teaching young people the basics of financial responsibility and equipping them with the digital skills needed to keep pace with modern developments." The success of the summer program underscores Weyay Bank's dedication to providing unique experiences for its customers, particularly "Jeel," which forms the cornerstone of the Bank's strategy to enhance financial inclusion and digital empowerment among youth in Kuwait. This commitment further validates Weyay's recognition with the "Most Innovative Product" award at the MEED Banking Excellence Awards 2025 for the Middle East and North Africa region.
Finextra
4 days ago
- Business
- Finextra
Currency.com pilots AI initiative with ComplyControl
AI-native platform is entering a bold new phase of digital innovation. 0 This content is provided by an external author without editing by Finextra. It expresses the views and opinions of the author. As the company scopes intelligent systems for internal operations and compliance, is transforming its infrastructure to be more secure, scalable, and responsive—laying the foundation for a smarter financial ecosystem. The progress reflects a broader ambition: to redesign how a modern financial platform is built and run. is actively testing the possibility of embedding AI into its DevOps, frontend, and QA processes, with initial trials already showing a reduction of development cycles from weeks to hours. The goal is not just efficiency, but scalability, personalization, and faster adaptation to client and regulatory needs. To support this transformation, the company has launched a pilot initiative with ComplyControl, a recognized provider of AI-powered compliance and risk-management tools. The pilot focuses on how intelligent systems can strengthen sanctions screening, adverse media detection, and regulatory gap analysis. These capabilities are especially important as expands in the U.S. and continues fine-tuning its compliance under established frameworks like MiCA in Europe. 'Compliance is no longer a checklist — it's a system that has to evolve in real time,' said Konstantin Anissimov, CEO of 'We're building toward a model where regulation, infrastructure, and intelligence operate as one integrated layer.' The partnership with ComplyControl is an early step in a much larger trajectory. AI-native strategy is designed to power its vision of a unified financial platform, one that seamlessly integrates payments, investments, and crypto services into a single, secure, and user-friendly experience. 'Our clients shouldn't have to think about infrastructure,' Anissimov further added. 'They just want ease, trust, and simplicity. AI is how I believe we could deliver that,' In a competitive global market, a customer-centric approach is essential. Clients expect flexibility, personalization, and reliability as the baseline. is meeting that expectation by embedding intelligence into every layer of its operations, using advanced technology not just to keep up, but to lead. By embracing the AI-native platform, the company is aligning regulation, infrastructure, and intelligence into a unified, future-ready system.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Digitas Middle East achieves Platinum Partner Status with optimizely in UAE and KSA
Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Digitas, a connected marketing agency under Publicis Groupe Middle East, has officially been awarded Platinum Partner status by Optimizely, marking a key milestone that positions the agency as the only regional player to hold this distinction in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Praveen Prabhakaran, General Manager at Optimizely, commented 'We're proud to recognize Digitas Middle East as a Platinum Partner — a testament to their outstanding expertise, strategic leadership, and commitment to delivering transformative digital experiences. As the only regional partner to hold Platinum status in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Digitas is setting a new standard for digital innovation in high-growth markets. Their recent win as Optimizely's 2024 Partner of the Year for the Middle East and Africa further underscores their exceptional impact in the region. We're excited to build on our collaboration and help more organizations realize the full potential of Optimizely's industry-leading platform.' Platinum status represents the highest level of partnership within Optimizely's global ecosystem, granted only to agencies that demonstrate deep technical expertise, strategic alignment, and a strong track record of delivering successful digital experiences using the platform. The recognition provides Digitas with access to exclusive features, early product releases, advanced training, and priority support, benefits that will directly translate into more agile, data-driven, and personalised solutions for clients. Digitas has already been putting these capabilities into action, transforming the experience of their partners. The announcement follows Digitas being named Optimizely Solution Partner of the Year 2024 for the MEA region, recognition of the agency's ability to turn the platform into real business results. Kareem Monem, CEO of Digitas ME, commented 'This recognition is more than a badge, it's a reflection of our commitment to pushing the boundaries of customer experience in the region. As digital expectations rise, our clients need smarter, faster, and more adaptable solutions. With Optimizely, we now have the industry's leading Digital Experience Platform as recognised by Gartner and Forrester to lead that charge and deliver results that matter.' These achievements further solidifies Digitas' commitment to delivering best-in-class digital capabilities across the region, particularly in high-growth markets like the UAE and KSA. With clients in sectors ranging from telecom to public services, the agency is now better positioned than ever to help organisations transform how they engage with their audience Digitas' Platinum status is effective immediately and will inform several key client programs launching in 2025. About Publicis Groupe - The Power of One Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40] is a global leader in communication. The Groupe is positioned at every step of the value chain, from consulting to execution, combining marketing transformation and digital business transformation. Publicis Groupe is a privileged partner in its clients' transformation to enhance personalization at scale. The Groupe relies on ten expertise concentrated within four main activities: Communication, Media, Data and Technology. Through a unified and fluid organization, its clients have facilitated access to all its expertise in every market. Present in over 100 countries, Publicis Groupe employs around 96,000 professionals.
Khaleej Times
14-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Tech-driven, experiential shopping redefines Dubai retail
Dubai's retail sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation as immersive experiences, digital innovation, and entertainment-led concepts take centre stage. With retail transactions worth Dh587 million recorded in the second quarter of 2025 alone, the emirate is underpinning its status as one of the world's most vibrant consumer markets. According to CRC Property's latest report, The CRC Edit, which tracks retail trends and commercial activity across the UAE, the future of retail is increasingly intertwined with storytelling, technology, and experience. With the announcement of Disneyland Abu Dhabi, the region is poised for an even larger leap into the realm of experiential commerce, positioning itself as a global hub for lifestyle, leisure and retail investment. 'Disneyland Abu Dhabi isn't just a tourism announcement — it's a turning point for how we think about retail and commercial development in the UAE,' said Behnam Bargh, managing director of CRC. 'It signals long-term growth across sectors like hospitality, food and beverage, real estate and especially experiential retail. We expect heightened investor interest, especially around Yas Island, and a ripple effect across Dubai and the wider region.' Retail industry watchers argue that as experiential design becomes the norm and digital fluency defines physical spaces, retail in the UAE is no longer just about shelves and storefronts. It is about 'stories, spectacles and unforgettable journeys — crafted not only to satisfy consumer demand but to shape it,' they said. CRC's Q2 2025 data offers a glimpse into the current strength of Dubai's retail property market. A total of 232 retail transactions were recorded, amounting to Dh587 million in value. The most active locations included Business Bay, Jumeirah Village Circle, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Arjan, and Dubai Marina — areas that are witnessing strong population growth and evolving consumer demographics. One of the most defining characteristics of Dubai's retail evolution is the integration of technology into physical shopping environments. Nearly 90 per cent of UAE shoppers use digital tools while browsing in-store, and 71 per cent engage with features like augmented reality (AR), interactive kiosks, in-store mobile apps, and QR-activated promotions. The shift isn't just in what consumers buy, but how they want to feel while buying it. Dubai's community malls — once mere convenience centres — are now platforms for digitally enhanced journeys. Smart mirrors, AR fitting rooms, and interactive touchpoints are being introduced at a rapid pace, particularly in mid-sized lifestyle malls catering to younger audiences and families. Global consultancy McKinsey & Co. has observed similar shifts across major retail destinations, noting that 'digital integration and personalization are now critical levers for in-store growth.' In Dubai, this transition is happening faster than in many Western cities, driven by a tech-savvy population and a government pushing digital-first initiatives. Beyond shopping, the dining experience in the city has also evolved dramatically. CRC's report highlights the explosive growth of 'immersive dining,' where theatrical performances, art, and multisensory storytelling now complement culinary excellence. Concepts like Krasota — a 360-degree visual gastronomy theatre — and Le Petit Chef, with its animated 3D tabletop performances, are setting new benchmarks. 'Dubai is no longer satisfied with good food and service,' the report notes. 'It wants spectacle, it wants theatre, it wants story.' This shift reflects a broader trend in the UAE's post-pandemic consumer psyche — one that values novelty, emotion, and Instagrammable moments as much as the core product. Dining out has become about entertainment and engagement, and successful F&B concepts are those that blend taste with surprise. This is reinforced by Dubai's overarching economic strategy. According to a Dubai Chamber of Commerce study, the emirate's retail sales are projected to reach over $70.5 billion in 2025, fuelled by rising tourism, growing affluence, and a flourishing e-commerce ecosystem. Meanwhile, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has outlined plans to make the city the 'experience capital of the world,' with retail playing a central role in that narrative. 'Dubai's retail landscape is no longer just about transactions,' said an industry analyst from CBRE. 'It's about destinations. Whether it's shopping, dining, or leisure, everything is curated, themed and infused with technology. That's where the future is headed — and Dubai is already there.' With developments like Disneyland Abu Dhabi, hyper-themed malls, and immersive retail zones in the pipeline, the trajectory is clear: Dubai is not just adapting to global retail trends; it is setting them.
Zawya
14-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
BENEFIT wins Bahrain Digital Content Award for Hadeya Feature on BenefitPay
BENEFIT, the Kingdom's innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has been awarded the Bahrain Digital Content Award in the 'Business & Commerce' category for its innovative " Hadeya " (E-Gift) feature on the BenefitPay app. The award was presented during a ceremony hosted by the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH), held under the patronage of H.E. Ali Bin Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman Shura Council. The award reaffirms BENEFIT's leading role in shaping the landscape of digital innovation and transformation within Bahrain's financial services sector, as exemplified by the 'Hadeya' feature, an advanced service integrated into the BenefitPay that reimagines the conventional practice of money gifting through a seamless and highly personalized digital experience. Through this feature, users can select a specific cash amount, design a custom-themed gift card, and add a personal message before sending it instantly to loved ones. By combining functionality with emotional expression, 'Hadeya' elevates the act of gifting into a dynamic and meaningful interaction within the digital financial space. Commenting on the recognition, BENEFIT Company Chief Information Officer , Reyadh Almearaj, stated, 'We are honored to receive the Bahrain Digital Content Award, which represents a significant milestone for our team and affirms the impact of our continued efforts to deliver user-centric digital solutions. This recognition reflects BENEFIT's ongoing vision to enrich the digital experience for our customers and to lead in providing smart, accessible services that meet evolving lifestyle needs. Our goal remains to launch cutting-edge services that set high standards for innovation and quality, both locally and regionally.' Mr. Almearaj added, 'Since its launch, 'Hadeya' feature has delivered remarkable performance, achieving rapid market traction and recording outstanding growth indicators. Its widespread adoption across the Bahraini market underscores the tangible value it brings to users and the strong resonance it has generated across diverse customer segments. This prestigious recognition not only validates the impact of our innovation-driven approach but also strengthens our resolve to continue advancing solutions that contribute to positioning Bahrain as a leading regional hub for cutting-edge financial technology.'
