Ramy Fares

We are excited to share that Abir Habbal- Managing Director at Accenture has been chosen among Global 200 Women Power Leaders 2024.   Abir Habbal is a distinguished leader in the realm of Data & Artificial Intelligence (AI), serving as MD & Public Sector Applied Intelligence Lead at Accenture in the Middle East. With over 13 years of experience, Abir has been instrumental in driving national digital strategies that fuel economic development, enhance citizen outcomes & propel innovation across various industries.   Abir's impactful career is marked by her expertise in spearheading high-profile national initiatives such as Smart Nations, Proactive Government, National Data Governance & National AI Adoption Acceleration. Her work with senior executives & decision-makers in these projects has helped establish comprehensive national digital frameworks & strategies, shaping the trajectory of data management & AI implementation in the region.   One of her most notable achievements is her pivotal role in the creation of a national data regulator within the Middle East. This accomplishment led to the publication of a suite of essential data policies & standards. These include National Data Management Standards, Data Privacy Policy, Data Classification Policy, Freedom of Information Policy, Open Data Policy & Data Sharing Policy, all of which emphasize the value of data as a strategic asset.   Abir's contributions to AI activation are equally significant, as she developed a National AI Ethics policy & the strategy for a national AI center, focusing on core AI capabilities such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), Computer Vision (CV), and Generative AI. Her work in crafting the AI research and development agenda spans crucial sectors like Health, Energy, Environment, Mobility, and Government.   In her role as Data & AI Officer for Accenture in the Middle East, Abir drives the data and AI agenda across the region, fostering innovation and supporting organizations in their AI transformation journeys. She has built a highly skilled core data and AI team at Accenture Middle East, promoting gender diversity and encouraging diverse perspectives.   Abir's career is further distinguished by her active participation in panel discussions and thought leadership reports, where she collaborates with regional governments on topics such as proactive government and AI adoption.   Abir's educational achievements include a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the American University of Beirut (AUB) with high distinction and three honorary awards for academic excellence. Additionally, she holds certifications in AI and Generative AI from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Business Analytics from Northwestern University, and Business Strategy from INSEAD.   Abir Habbal's mission is clear: to equip the youth with future-proof skills and help shape the world of tomorrow through transformative AI and data initiatives. #whitepageinternational #powerleaders

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This partnership underscores a strong commitment to positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the digital realm. Together with AWS, they are laying the groundwork for a robust, sustainable, and innovative digital future. #SaudiArabia #AWS #CloudComputing #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #StrategicPartnership #EconomicGrowth #Sustainability #SkillDevelopment #SaudiVision2030

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Putting data sovereignty and security first, Hyperfusion is trailblazing the way as a market leader in AI computing solutions across the GCC region

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🎙️ In this episode of 5G Talent Talk, I speak with Emir Aboulhosn, CEO of NetLync, to explore the future of device technology and strategies for building a thriving remote culture. Emir shares insights on how advanced devices are transforming user experiences, boosting sales for carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T, and ultimately reducing churn. Emir also dives into leadership lessons from launching NetLync during the pandemic, including the importance of hiring experienced, self-driven talent and fostering a mission-driven culture. Discover why quick decisions on team dynamics, avoiding micromanagement, and maintaining a hyper-focused vision are essential for scaling a remote-first business. 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/epj9wthF #5GTalentTalk #5GTT #NetLync #WirelessInnovation #CompanyCulture

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Lessons from the Trenches: My Journey as a Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Tech Solutions.ae As a CSO, I've navigated the intersection of business and technology, driving growth and innovation. Here are key takeaways from my experience: 1. Ensuring strategy aligns with business goals and stakeholder expectations. 2. Embracing flexibility in a rapidly changing market landscape. 3. Building and empowering high-performing teams. 4. Collaborating with offshore companies to augment capabilities. 5. Staying ahead of the curve through continuous learning and exploration. Share your own experiences and lessons learned! #CSO #ChiefStrategyOfficer #Leadership #Strategy #Innovation #Growth #TechSolutions"

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Exciting insights from McKinsey on the transformative potential of the public cloud in the Middle East! As the region embraces digital innovation, the public cloud emerges as a multibillion-dollar opportunity poised to drive economic growth and technological advancement. This article highlights key trends and strategies for capturing this significant prize. A must-read for anyone interested in the future of digital transformation in the Middle East. #DigitalTransformation #CloudComputing #MiddleEast #Innovation Ranjithkumar Palanisamy Girish Manghnani Rakesh Nair

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We are moving from the world of plus AI to AI first. Companies that have adopted an #AI first mentality will be the winners of this next era. I sat down with Ossama El Samadoni from GBM and our clients Mohamed Abdel Hamid Abdel-Razek from Mashreq and Himanshu Shrivastava from Al-Futtaim to discuss the latest AI insights in the region and the ingredients to a successful AI adoption journey. Hosted by Sally Mousa سالي موسى from Forbes Middle East, the #podcast sheds light on the importance of partnerships between technology providers, regulators, and users in successfully deploying AI. It is our privilege to partner with clients like Mashreq Bank and Al Futtaim, adopting the latest IBM technologies and utilizing our consulting expertise to help transform businesses. #watsonx #genAI #hybridcloud https://lnkd.in/dkwnmVrW

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The IDC study highlights the transformative potential of cloud technologies in the UAE, forecasting significant economic growth and job creation. Microsoft’s investment of $5.1 billion in local data centers not only improves the infrastructure but also positions the UAE as a competitive digital hub. The projected revenue multiplier for partners emphasizes a collaborative ecosystem, where joint efforts drive innovation. Moreover, the focus on creating skilled IT jobs signals a shift towards a knowledge-based economy, crucial for sustainable growth. This strategic emphasis on AI and digital solutions at Gitex Global 2024 underscores the UAE's ambition to lead in technological advancement.

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🔝Where does the🕌Middle East stand in the global 🦾AI funding race❓ The #UAE and 🇸🇦Saudi Arabia are at the forefront of attracting more #capital to power their #AI ambitions 🕌Middle East #investment funds have the potential to become global players in the booming #artificialintelligence space, given their vigorous push in the advanced #technology sector, according to experts. International investors are particularly taking notice as the region targets untapped markets, clarifies government policies to create advanced tech-friendly environments and integrate AI into all aspects of the private and public sector, industry experts say. Consultancy PwC had estimated the region’s future slice of the world’s AI market at 2 per cent – $320 billion – by 2030. Yet this was predicted about six years ago, before the region attracted billions and sealed partnerships with major western tech leaders such as #Oracle and #Amazon. Most recently, in April, Microsoft entered a $1.5 investment and #partnership with the UAE’s leading AI entity G42. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are at the forefront, as the Arab world's two biggest economies that have focused on diverting away from oil and gas reliance, in pursuit of being recognised as global hubs for tech entrepreneurship and innovation. Global corporations seeking to tap into the region’s anticipated future influence are acting on the offerings. “Compared to global counterparts, Middle Eastern AI funds are still nascent … [but] the growth is expected to be significant,” Mohammed Soliman, director of the strategic technologies and cybersecurity programme at the Washington-based Middle East Institute think tank, told The National. He said that “the region offers a compelling case for AI investors”, as “governments are actively supporting AI development through funds and initiatives”. This is shifting the gaze of global tech heads who are looking to connect to the Middle East and further, said Mr Soliman. Read More…

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I am absolutely thrilled to share the next chapter in the #UAE innovation journey with the arrival of #Microsoft’s Engineering Development Center to #AbuDhabi. This is a momentous occasion as the center will not only support the development of local talent to accelerate #digitaltransformation across the region, but also attract leading tech talent from around the world to collaborate in the fields of #AI, #cloud, and #cybersecurity. Together, the engineering teams will create cutting-edge solutions that will help organizations across the region and globally to overcome pressing challenges and deliver lasting impact.     The center is testament to Microsoft’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s aspirations to establish itself as a global hub of tech #innovation and talent. The announcement follows a series of recent investments that we have made into the country to that effect in collaboration with #G42. They include the establishment of an AI research center in Abu Dhabi focused on developing best practices in the field of #ResponsibleAI and the expansion of our AI for Good Lab to Abu Dhabi, another major first for the region. It will be exciting to see the incredible advancements that the addition of our new Engineering Development Center will bring not only to the UAE and Middle East region, but to the global technology landscape.  @SamerAbu-Ltaif @AmrKamel @IhabFoudeh    #MicrosoftUAE #MicrosoftAI #Microsoftinnovation #MicrosoftCloud #TechTalent #AIInnovation #Talentdevelopment #AIforgood 

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Marc Ganzi and DigitalBridge keep pushing the industry into the future. Investors are mobilizing $billions in private capital to underwrite Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zones. Enabling AI, Spatial Computing, and Autonomous Systems. https://lnkd.in/gEhdxBpN INTELLIGENT INFRASTRUCTURE will be the most transformational investment asset class for enabling AI within our communities. Building a Stronger and More Connected Nation. 21st-century asset classes will complement condominiums, pipelines, cell towers, fiber optic, energy plants, data centers, . . . Now PINNs, AI Data Centers, Vertiports, Drone Depots, Smart Hubs, and ASOCCs. Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zones enable Automated Mobility Districts and other solutions like Drone-aaS, Digital Twin-aaS, Maintenance-aaS, AI-aaS, Mobility-aaS, Delivery-aaS, Freight-aaS, . . . The ERA of AUTONOMY will create millions of new jobs and economic growth nationwide. Autonomy Institute https://lnkd.in/gSaQncSC

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🤖 Microsoft is set to invest $1.5 billion for a minority stake in #G42, an innovative #AI firm based in Abu Dhabi. This strategic partnership will focus on co-developing AI solutions across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa using Microsoft Azure. As part of this collaboration, Microsoft’s Brad Smith will join the G42 board, and together, they will establish a $1 billion fund to support AI developers in the #UAE. Additionally, G42 plans to expand its use of Microsoft Cloud services. It will integrate its Arabic Large Language Model, Jais, into the Azure AI model catalog, potentially benefiting over 400 million Arabic speakers. This partnership underscores a commitment to responsible AI deployment that aligns with international standards. #Microsoft #MicrosoftAzure #CloudComputing #TechnologyInvestment #GlobalPartnership 

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Today marks a huge step forward in our mission to accelerate #AI innovation and transformation across the region with the expansion of the #Microsoft Engineering Development Center footprint to the #UAE. Our new development center in #AbuDhabi will be a real game-changer, empowering local talent to effectively leverage the latest technologies to create industry-leading solutions that will tackle key challenges faced by communities across the region and globally.   The center will also play a pivotal role in attracting leading tech talent from around to world to advance #innovation in the fields of #ArtificialIntelligence, #cloud and #cybersecurity. And through collaborations with various universities, incubators, and accelerators, the center will contribute to the development of a pool of highly skilled future talent that will be at the forefront of a new wave of innovation and technological excellence. The future for the Middle East’s tech ecosystem looks bright and I look forward to seeing the breakthroughs that will emerge through our next generation of digital talent. @IhabFoudeh @NaimYazbeck   #MicrosoftAI #MicrosoftCloud #TechTalent #AIInnovation 

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Google has announced plans to open a new AI-focused data centre in Saudi Arabia, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund to expand research in Arabic language AI models and ‘Saudi-specific AI applications.’ The project arrives as Google continues to face scrutiny over meeting its own climate goals, including its commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 2030. The tech giant’s choice of location, a region highly dependent on fossil fuels, has raised eyebrows, given Google’s 2020 pledge to avoid developing AI algorithms for oil and gas. Aramco, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned petroleum company, currently uses AI to enhance production, with one oil field reportedly seeing a 15% boost through AI integration. While Google has stated the partnership ‘comports’ with its climate pledges, the data centre may contribute to advancing AI within the oil and gas sector.

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Another critical step in expanding our Microsoft and G42 Partnership with New AI Research Centers in Abu Dhabi We are excited to announce that Microsoft and G42 are expanding our partnership by establishing two new AI research centers in Abu Dhabi. Today’s steps will add to the important progress Microsoft and G42 are making to broaden access to the responsible, safe, and secure use of artificial intelligence. https://lnkd.in/ej4x_Vw9

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It was a privilege to collaborate with SCAI | سكاي (Saudi Company for AI) in writing this paper on how #GenerativeAI could impact the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia As KSA continues to implement its #Vision2030 strategy, GenAI is expected to play a key role in smart cities, energy, healthcare, entertainment and financial services. In this paper we describe the key use cases, challenges and prerequisites for successful implementation Check it Wesley HAN Samer Farah Elias Aad Ricardo Tassi Mubarak Alwadaani

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