@stefanwestdijk.bsky.social
#Adobe, #Qualcomm, and #Saudi-based #Humain have partnered to build generative #AI that natively understands Arabic linguistically, culturally, and contextually.
Most global AI models today are still trained primarily on English and Western data.
This partnership aims to fix that.
Via Reuters.
Most global AI models today are still trained primarily on English and Western data.
This partnership aims to fix that.
Via Reuters.
December 4, 2025 at 5:06 AM
#Adobe, #Qualcomm, and #Saudi-based #Humain have partnered to build generative #AI that natively understands Arabic linguistically, culturally, and contextually.
Most global AI models today are still trained primarily on English and Western data.
This partnership aims to fix that.
Via Reuters.
Most global AI models today are still trained primarily on English and Western data.
This partnership aims to fix that.
Via Reuters.
KKR & Co. is opening an office in #ADGM.
Firms of this scale don't typically set up locally unless the fundamentals are strong: sustained deal flow, reliable policy frameworks, and deep partnership opportunities.
#AbuDhabi has been building exactly that environment.
Via Bloomberg.
Firms of this scale don't typically set up locally unless the fundamentals are strong: sustained deal flow, reliable policy frameworks, and deep partnership opportunities.
#AbuDhabi has been building exactly that environment.
Via Bloomberg.
December 1, 2025 at 5:48 AM
In a new experiment, an #AI #board outperformed human directors across nearly every #governance metric: decision quality, use of evidence, inclusivity and implementation planning.
A humbling thought but important to note that AI didn’t “win” because it was smarter. It won because it was structured.
A humbling thought but important to note that AI didn’t “win” because it was smarter. It won because it was structured.
November 24, 2025 at 5:45 AM
In a new experiment, an #AI #board outperformed human directors across nearly every #governance metric: decision quality, use of evidence, inclusivity and implementation planning.
A humbling thought but important to note that AI didn’t “win” because it was smarter. It won because it was structured.
A humbling thought but important to note that AI didn’t “win” because it was smarter. It won because it was structured.
#SaudiArabia’s message to global investors is changing. The tone is less about futuristic megaprojects and more about building real industrial capability.
For investors and boardrooms alike, this maturity moment in Saudi Arabia’s diversification story is worth paying attention to.
Via Bloomberg.
For investors and boardrooms alike, this maturity moment in Saudi Arabia’s diversification story is worth paying attention to.
Via Bloomberg.
November 20, 2025 at 6:18 AM
#SaudiArabia’s message to global investors is changing. The tone is less about futuristic megaprojects and more about building real industrial capability.
For investors and boardrooms alike, this maturity moment in Saudi Arabia’s diversification story is worth paying attention to.
Via Bloomberg.
For investors and boardrooms alike, this maturity moment in Saudi Arabia’s diversification story is worth paying attention to.
Via Bloomberg.
The U.S. has just allowed #Microsoft to ship advanced #Nvidia #AI chips to the UAE, making it the first export licence of its kind, and the #UAE a regional AI hub and a bridge for diffusion to the Global South.
https://www.ft.com/content/03b30ba3-d0c6-4f63-92f8-077fcd8dc472
https://www.ft.com/content/03b30ba3-d0c6-4f63-92f8-077fcd8dc472
November 17, 2025 at 5:48 AM
The U.S. has just allowed #Microsoft to ship advanced #Nvidia #AI chips to the UAE, making it the first export licence of its kind, and the #UAE a regional AI hub and a bridge for diffusion to the Global South.
https://www.ft.com/content/03b30ba3-d0c6-4f63-92f8-077fcd8dc472
https://www.ft.com/content/03b30ba3-d0c6-4f63-92f8-077fcd8dc472
The four most in-demand #skills shaping #MiddleEast #logistics are…
⭕Data & Digital Intelligence
⭕Automation & Smart Systems
⭕Sustainability & Multimodal Planning
⭕Compliance & Cross-Border Connectivity
The logistics sector is valued at $66B in 2024 and growing 7.4% annually through 2030.
⭕Data & Digital Intelligence
⭕Automation & Smart Systems
⭕Sustainability & Multimodal Planning
⭕Compliance & Cross-Border Connectivity
The logistics sector is valued at $66B in 2024 and growing 7.4% annually through 2030.
November 11, 2025 at 5:47 AM
The four most in-demand #skills shaping #MiddleEast #logistics are…
⭕Data & Digital Intelligence
⭕Automation & Smart Systems
⭕Sustainability & Multimodal Planning
⭕Compliance & Cross-Border Connectivity
The logistics sector is valued at $66B in 2024 and growing 7.4% annually through 2030.
⭕Data & Digital Intelligence
⭕Automation & Smart Systems
⭕Sustainability & Multimodal Planning
⭕Compliance & Cross-Border Connectivity
The logistics sector is valued at $66B in 2024 and growing 7.4% annually through 2030.
#AI could potentially unlock $200B in #SustainableFinance for the #MiddleEast by 2030.
The technology is becoming an engine for smarter capital allocation.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/could-ai-help-the-middle-east-and-north-africa-unlock-200-billion-in-sustainable-finance-by-2030/
The technology is becoming an engine for smarter capital allocation.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/could-ai-help-the-middle-east-and-north-africa-unlock-200-billion-in-sustainable-finance-by-2030/
November 6, 2025 at 6:51 AM
#AI could potentially unlock $200B in #SustainableFinance for the #MiddleEast by 2030.
The technology is becoming an engine for smarter capital allocation.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/could-ai-help-the-middle-east-and-north-africa-unlock-200-billion-in-sustainable-finance-by-2030/
The technology is becoming an engine for smarter capital allocation.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/10/could-ai-help-the-middle-east-and-north-africa-unlock-200-billion-in-sustainable-finance-by-2030/
Supply chain #sustainability IS still a firm-level priority, according to a new #MIT report. But action isn't amounting to much.
While 85% of companies are maintaining or increasing their sustainability efforts, most still rely on rudimentary tools - even spreadsheets - to track #emissions.
While 85% of companies are maintaining or increasing their sustainability efforts, most still rely on rudimentary tools - even spreadsheets - to track #emissions.
October 30, 2025 at 4:46 AM
Supply chain #sustainability IS still a firm-level priority, according to a new #MIT report. But action isn't amounting to much.
While 85% of companies are maintaining or increasing their sustainability efforts, most still rely on rudimentary tools - even spreadsheets - to track #emissions.
While 85% of companies are maintaining or increasing their sustainability efforts, most still rely on rudimentary tools - even spreadsheets - to track #emissions.
#Leadership models were always built around centralised control, i.e. information flowed up, decisions flowed down.
We’re now seeing “distributed intelligence”, where tech enables decisions to be made closer to the action and leadership has to adapt to guide from above without slowing things down.
We’re now seeing “distributed intelligence”, where tech enables decisions to be made closer to the action and leadership has to adapt to guide from above without slowing things down.
October 28, 2025 at 7:10 AM
#Leadership models were always built around centralised control, i.e. information flowed up, decisions flowed down.
We’re now seeing “distributed intelligence”, where tech enables decisions to be made closer to the action and leadership has to adapt to guide from above without slowing things down.
We’re now seeing “distributed intelligence”, where tech enables decisions to be made closer to the action and leadership has to adapt to guide from above without slowing things down.
Now that #digitaltransformation, #cybersecurity and #AI dominate agendas, #NEDs are being pulled closer to operational issues. The intent may be good, but the risk is real.
#Boards that step too far in stop adding value and start duplicating what management is already doing.
#Boards that step too far in stop adding value and start duplicating what management is already doing.
October 27, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Now that #digitaltransformation, #cybersecurity and #AI dominate agendas, #NEDs are being pulled closer to operational issues. The intent may be good, but the risk is real.
#Boards that step too far in stop adding value and start duplicating what management is already doing.
#Boards that step too far in stop adding value and start duplicating what management is already doing.
#Boards often pride themselves on alignment. But when “alignment” starts to look like harmony, the likelihood is that you've crossed into complacency.
You can judge the effectiveness of non-executives through this distinction: are they just supporting the strategy, or stress testing it?
You can judge the effectiveness of non-executives through this distinction: are they just supporting the strategy, or stress testing it?
October 20, 2025 at 5:47 AM
#Boards often pride themselves on alignment. But when “alignment” starts to look like harmony, the likelihood is that you've crossed into complacency.
You can judge the effectiveness of non-executives through this distinction: are they just supporting the strategy, or stress testing it?
You can judge the effectiveness of non-executives through this distinction: are they just supporting the strategy, or stress testing it?
The average #board's blind spot? Overlooking stakeholder intelligence.
In 2025, reputation and trust move markets faster than regulation does. Boards that only monitor performance miss the signals that shape it. #NED
In 2025, reputation and trust move markets faster than regulation does. Boards that only monitor performance miss the signals that shape it. #NED
October 19, 2025 at 5:45 AM
The average #board's blind spot? Overlooking stakeholder intelligence.
In 2025, reputation and trust move markets faster than regulation does. Boards that only monitor performance miss the signals that shape it. #NED
In 2025, reputation and trust move markets faster than regulation does. Boards that only monitor performance miss the signals that shape it. #NED
NEDs that struggle to remain independent often fear being labelled as difficult for opposing an idea that everyone else seems to agree with.
Let's stop that kind of thinking in its tracks. Disagreement creates friction, yes, but that friction is necessary for revealing more meaningful solutions.
Let's stop that kind of thinking in its tracks. Disagreement creates friction, yes, but that friction is necessary for revealing more meaningful solutions.
October 6, 2025 at 5:47 AM
NEDs that struggle to remain independent often fear being labelled as difficult for opposing an idea that everyone else seems to agree with.
Let's stop that kind of thinking in its tracks. Disagreement creates friction, yes, but that friction is necessary for revealing more meaningful solutions.
Let's stop that kind of thinking in its tracks. Disagreement creates friction, yes, but that friction is necessary for revealing more meaningful solutions.
#SaudiArabia's #fashion market is an overlooked opportunity.
Japanese investors recently explored the industry during #TokyoFashionWeek, shedding light on the fact that the market is projected to contribute 2.6% of GDP in 2025, with #luxury alone expected to reach $6 billion by 2029.
Japanese investors recently explored the industry during #TokyoFashionWeek, shedding light on the fact that the market is projected to contribute 2.6% of GDP in 2025, with #luxury alone expected to reach $6 billion by 2029.
October 2, 2025 at 6:45 AM
#SaudiArabia's #fashion market is an overlooked opportunity.
Japanese investors recently explored the industry during #TokyoFashionWeek, shedding light on the fact that the market is projected to contribute 2.6% of GDP in 2025, with #luxury alone expected to reach $6 billion by 2029.
Japanese investors recently explored the industry during #TokyoFashionWeek, shedding light on the fact that the market is projected to contribute 2.6% of GDP in 2025, with #luxury alone expected to reach $6 billion by 2029.
#NEDs are more than just #governance guardians.
#Boards often talk about oversight, compliance, and risk, but the true strategic value of non-executive directors goes far beyond that. When leveraged effectively, NEDs help management teams escape echo chambers and and unlock new opportunities.
#Boards often talk about oversight, compliance, and risk, but the true strategic value of non-executive directors goes far beyond that. When leveraged effectively, NEDs help management teams escape echo chambers and and unlock new opportunities.
September 30, 2025 at 6:35 AM
#NEDs are more than just #governance guardians.
#Boards often talk about oversight, compliance, and risk, but the true strategic value of non-executive directors goes far beyond that. When leveraged effectively, NEDs help management teams escape echo chambers and and unlock new opportunities.
#Boards often talk about oversight, compliance, and risk, but the true strategic value of non-executive directors goes far beyond that. When leveraged effectively, NEDs help management teams escape echo chambers and and unlock new opportunities.
The #UAE has launched its first Executive Chief #AI Office (CAIO) programme.
Created by Abu Dhabi School of Management in partnership with Polynome, the initiative addresses a critical challenge: organisations need leaders who can combine technical AI expertise with strategic business insight.
Created by Abu Dhabi School of Management in partnership with Polynome, the initiative addresses a critical challenge: organisations need leaders who can combine technical AI expertise with strategic business insight.
September 29, 2025 at 6:27 AM
The #UAE has launched its first Executive Chief #AI Office (CAIO) programme.
Created by Abu Dhabi School of Management in partnership with Polynome, the initiative addresses a critical challenge: organisations need leaders who can combine technical AI expertise with strategic business insight.
Created by Abu Dhabi School of Management in partnership with Polynome, the initiative addresses a critical challenge: organisations need leaders who can combine technical AI expertise with strategic business insight.
If your #BoardDiversity strategy begins and ends with gender quotas, you’re playing defence. ⚠️
The most effective boards see diversity as a strategic asset, not a compliance task. Cognitive diversity, sector experience, generational perspectives - these are the levers that drive smarter decisions.
The most effective boards see diversity as a strategic asset, not a compliance task. Cognitive diversity, sector experience, generational perspectives - these are the levers that drive smarter decisions.
September 25, 2025 at 7:22 AM
If your #BoardDiversity strategy begins and ends with gender quotas, you’re playing defence. ⚠️
The most effective boards see diversity as a strategic asset, not a compliance task. Cognitive diversity, sector experience, generational perspectives - these are the levers that drive smarter decisions.
The most effective boards see diversity as a strategic asset, not a compliance task. Cognitive diversity, sector experience, generational perspectives - these are the levers that drive smarter decisions.
The new Saudi consumer? According to #McKinsey, by 2035 the market will look nothing like today.
📈 >100M consumers boosted by tourism and a growing expats
👩 2x as many working women reshaping spending power
🧑🎓 Gen Z & Alpha will control >75% of spending
🏙 >50% of population growth in Riyadh
📈 >100M consumers boosted by tourism and a growing expats
👩 2x as many working women reshaping spending power
🧑🎓 Gen Z & Alpha will control >75% of spending
🏙 >50% of population growth in Riyadh
September 24, 2025 at 6:28 AM
The new Saudi consumer? According to #McKinsey, by 2035 the market will look nothing like today.
📈 >100M consumers boosted by tourism and a growing expats
👩 2x as many working women reshaping spending power
🧑🎓 Gen Z & Alpha will control >75% of spending
🏙 >50% of population growth in Riyadh
📈 >100M consumers boosted by tourism and a growing expats
👩 2x as many working women reshaping spending power
🧑🎓 Gen Z & Alpha will control >75% of spending
🏙 >50% of population growth in Riyadh
#Procurement usually flies under the radar. But not at #Dubai airports.
With JAGGAER, they’ve built real-time dashboards that flag risks early, speed up delivery, and even embed #sustainability into vendor decisions. That’s not “procurement as paperwork” - that’s procurement as intelligence.
With JAGGAER, they’ve built real-time dashboards that flag risks early, speed up delivery, and even embed #sustainability into vendor decisions. That’s not “procurement as paperwork” - that’s procurement as intelligence.
September 23, 2025 at 5:46 AM
#Procurement usually flies under the radar. But not at #Dubai airports.
With JAGGAER, they’ve built real-time dashboards that flag risks early, speed up delivery, and even embed #sustainability into vendor decisions. That’s not “procurement as paperwork” - that’s procurement as intelligence.
With JAGGAER, they’ve built real-time dashboards that flag risks early, speed up delivery, and even embed #sustainability into vendor decisions. That’s not “procurement as paperwork” - that’s procurement as intelligence.
#NEDs bring more than their own #experience to the table. They bring that of their network, too.
By learning from the people around them, they've accelerated their own growth, and that #growth is invaluable to your board.
Don't let it slip through your fingers.
By learning from the people around them, they've accelerated their own growth, and that #growth is invaluable to your board.
Don't let it slip through your fingers.
September 19, 2025 at 7:01 AM
#NEDs bring more than their own #experience to the table. They bring that of their network, too.
By learning from the people around them, they've accelerated their own growth, and that #growth is invaluable to your board.
Don't let it slip through your fingers.
By learning from the people around them, they've accelerated their own growth, and that #growth is invaluable to your board.
Don't let it slip through your fingers.
Accounting for 20% of its GDP, #retail is driving Dubai. But now it's no longer just about luxury; it's about #tourism, too.
Immersive experiences, brand takeovers, and the rise of malls as cultural hubs are creating a runaway feedback loop that keeps tourists flooding in and innovation moving.
Immersive experiences, brand takeovers, and the rise of malls as cultural hubs are creating a runaway feedback loop that keeps tourists flooding in and innovation moving.
September 15, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Accounting for 20% of its GDP, #retail is driving Dubai. But now it's no longer just about luxury; it's about #tourism, too.
Immersive experiences, brand takeovers, and the rise of malls as cultural hubs are creating a runaway feedback loop that keeps tourists flooding in and innovation moving.
Immersive experiences, brand takeovers, and the rise of malls as cultural hubs are creating a runaway feedback loop that keeps tourists flooding in and innovation moving.
From my experience, many legacy #boards have brilliant financial and operational minds but miss the digital perspective. Without someone who really understands product, engineering, or digital innovation, critical risks slip through the cracks, and opportunities get overlooked. #NED
September 11, 2025 at 7:47 AM
From my experience, many legacy #boards have brilliant financial and operational minds but miss the digital perspective. Without someone who really understands product, engineering, or digital innovation, critical risks slip through the cracks, and opportunities get overlooked. #NED
❗76% of #MiddleEast retailers are already using #AI, with #procurement and customer experience leading.
Demand planning, machine vision, AR, OCR- these are all tools being deployed to make operations smoother and customers happier.
Via Arabian Business.
Demand planning, machine vision, AR, OCR- these are all tools being deployed to make operations smoother and customers happier.
Via Arabian Business.
September 10, 2025 at 6:32 AM
❗76% of #MiddleEast retailers are already using #AI, with #procurement and customer experience leading.
Demand planning, machine vision, AR, OCR- these are all tools being deployed to make operations smoother and customers happier.
Via Arabian Business.
Demand planning, machine vision, AR, OCR- these are all tools being deployed to make operations smoother and customers happier.
Via Arabian Business.