In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, AI platforms are playing a pivotal role in reshaping industries and driving business transformation. As businesses across the UAE embark on their digital journeys, AI has emerged as a key enabler, streamlining operations, enhancing decision-making, and fostering innovation. A recent fireside chat, featuring top industry experts from the tech sector, provided valuable insights into how AI platforms are creating new growth opportunities and building a sustainable future in the era of digital transformation.
A key focus of the session was the growing importance of GenAI as a transformative tool in business operations. Alexander Knigge, Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Modon, a speaker at the event, highlighted that “Generative AI is our priority.” He stressed the shift towards AI-powered platforms, which are enhancing everything from customer engagement to operational efficiency. As businesses explore AI’s potential, integrating generative technologies is becoming essential to stay competitive in a fast-evolving market. AI’s ability to generate content, automate complex tasks, and enable personalized interactions is reshaping how companies operate and deliver value to customers.
Andrew Murphy, CIO at Abu Dhabi Airports, another expert at the event, emphasized the role of AI in his company’s long-term strategy. He stated, “Generative AI is very important in our journey.” Over the past few years, Abu Dhabi Airports expanded its international footprint, and AI is a key focus in its five-year strategy. Andrew also noted that embedded AI, such as ChatGPT, is crucial for creating growth opportunities in the coming years, focusing on internal efficiencies and empowering teams with smarter tools.
Kenneth Lindegaard, Group CIO at Etihad Rail, shared his thoughts on how AI is transforming data and operations. “We focus on anything that can improve our operations,” he said, explaining that building a solid foundation and identifying use cases for data value is essential for AI success.
Manoj Bhojwani, Global CIO at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, also shared his company’s AI roadmap. “Generative AI is one of the key pillars of our 2025 strategy,” he revealed. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank has already invested in building the necessary AI capabilities, and Manoj sees significant opportunities ahead. However, he stressed the importance of a solid data foundation to ensure AI’s effectiveness: “AI will only work if you have strong, reliable data to support it,” he said.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in shaping the future of business will only grow more significant. The insights shared during the fireside chat underline the urgency for organizations to adopt AI platforms, invest in the required infrastructure, and leverage these technologies to unlock new growth opportunities in a highly competitive and increasingly digital world.
