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Can your bank's AI agent talk to your personal AI agent to handle your finances? Mashreq's technology chief Mohamed Abdel Razek reveals how the UAE's largest private bank is deploying 70-80 AI use cases across fraud detection, credit decisions, and customer experience.

While he envisions a future of conversational banking—imagine talking to an ATM like a person—Razek questions whether you'd trust a computer to approve your 25-year mortgage today. In this candid conversation, discover why "trustworthy AI-infused banking" is Mashreq's strategy, how voice recognition could revolutionize banking, and why the UAE's digital infrastructure gives it a massive advantage in the global AI race. Plus: the surprising reason why even tech experts wouldn't get in a pilotless drone.

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In this episode of AB Majlis, host Tala Michel Issa, Chief Reporter at Arabian Business, sits down with Dr. Chaouki Kasmi, Chief Innovation Officer of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII). Dr. Kasmi takes us behind the scenes of the UAE's ambitious AI strategy, exploring how cloud partnerships helped develop the country's first homegrown language model. He discusses the Emirates' early adoption of AI technologies, highlights the critical role AWS played in the Falcon LLM's development and deployment on SageMaker, and hints at upcoming releases that will impress the tech community.

The conversation examines how regional businesses can benefit from these advancements, touches on quantum computing developments, energy considerations in AI, and the UAE's positioning against traditional tech powerhouses like the US and China. A fascinating look at how the Gulf region is transforming its technological landscape and aiming for global leadership in AI innovation.

A regional tech expert takes us behind the scenes of the UAE's ambitious AI strategy, exploring how cloud partnerships helped develop the country's first homegrown language model. As TII's Chief Innovation Officer, Kasmi discusses the UAE's early adoption of AI technologies, hints at upcoming releases, and examines how regional businesses can benefit from these advancements as well as key partnerships. The conversation also touches on quantum computing developments, energy considerations in AI, and the UAE's positioning against traditional tech powerhouses. A fascinating look at how the Gulf region is transforming its technological landscape and aiming for global leadership in AI innovation.

SPONSORED - In this exclusive episode, Arabian Business Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa sits down with Ramy Jallad, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). Jallad reveals how this "hidden gem" of the UAE has been strategically positioning itself as a major business destination long before making headlines with its Wynn casino announcement. He discusses RAKEZ's remarkable achievement of doubling its registered companies to 30,000, with 13,000 new businesses joining in just the past year alone. From manufacturing and AI to hospitality and gaming, Jallad shares insights on the emirate's diversified economic strategy, infrastructure challenges, and upcoming mega-projects including Tech Flex Zone and RAK Central. Learn how Ras Al Khaimah is attracting global investment from India, China, Europe and beyond while maintaining its competitive edge through cost-effectiveness, customized business solutions, and exceptional customer experience.

In this eye-opening episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa speaks with Ainsley Duncombe, founder of Off Market Listing Dubai and former Property Finder executive. Duncombe delivers a stark prediction: 90% of Dubai real estate brokers will see their roles transformed by AI within 18 months.

From his journey watching Dubai's Palm Jumeirah being built on TV to now living there himself, Duncombe shares insights on luxury property trends, wealth migration to the UAE, and how technology is reshaping the industry. The conversation explores opportunities in emerging markets like Ras Al Khaimah and exclusive developments on Dubai's World Islands, offering listeners a glimpse into the future of Gulf real estate from one of the industry's most forward-thinking voices.

Join Arabian Business reporters Tala Michel Issa and Nicole Abigael as they take you behind the scenes of the highly anticipated Dubai 100 power list. Discover how Mohamed Alabbar secured the top spot, why cultural figures like Balqees Fathi and Anas Bukhash are reshaping influence, and how the list's sophisticated nine-parameter ranking system captures Dubai's evolution from a business hub to a global centre of innovation. From real estate titans to digital disruptors, this episode reveals the people and trends defining Dubai's future trajectory.

SPONSORED - In this episode, host Tala Misha la Issa sits down with Anthony Nakache, Managing Director of Google MENA, to explore the monumental challenge of developing AI that truly understands Arabic in all its complexity. With 25 distinct dialects across the region, Arabic presents one of the most formidable language barriers in AI development today.

Nakache reveals how Google's Gemini AI has already mastered 16 Arabic dialects—an unprecedented achievement—and shares the company's ambitious roadmap for complete Arabic language coverage. The conversation delves into Google's recently announced $15 million AI Opportunity Initiative for the MENA region, aimed at upskilling half a million people in AI over the next two years.

From the unique ways young Arabs are using AI for career advancement to the economic potential of $320 billion in AI-driven growth by 2030, this episode offers rare insights into how Google is approaching one of technology's most complex linguistic challenges. Nakache also discusses the transformative impact AI is already having on education and healthcare across the region, providing a fascinating glimpse into a future where technology speaks every Arabic dialect fluently.

In this episode of AB Majlis, host Nicole Abigael sits down with acclaimed therapist Marissa Peer to explore the emerging phenomenon of human-AI relationships and their potential psychological impacts. As AI companions become increasingly sophisticated and integrated into daily life, this discussion examines the fine line between beneficial technological support and problematic emotional dependency.

In this World Government Summit special episode of AB Majlis, Arabian Business Chief Reporter Tala Michel Issa delves into the mindset of modern venture capital with e& Capital Managing Director Kushal Shah. With $250 million deployed across 17 companies, Shah reveals why they seek startups that fundamentally disrupt traditional business models. From following the fintech wave to aggressively pursuing AI opportunities, discover how e& Capital identifies tomorrow's market leaders and why Dubai has become a magnetic force for global tech startups with billion-dollar funding. The conversation offers a masterclass in what venture capitalists look for in the age of technological disruption.

SPONSORED - In this episode of AB Majlis, Reporter Nicole Abigael sits down with Victor Gastou who takes us on a journey through his late father Yves Gastou’s extraordinary collection of over 700 rings—each piece a testament to history, craftsmanship, and passion.

From 17th-century Venetian poison rings to Vatican treasures, we uncover the stories behind these hidden gems and the art of collecting overlooked masterpieces. Join us as we explore the legacy of a collector whose love for discovery turned jewelry into a chronicle of time.

Until April 26th, the collection will be exhibited at the L’ÉCOLE Middle East School of Jewelry Arts in Dubai.