< Previous30 edge_ january 2024 cover story NEW NATIVE Sustainable approaches to influence tech developments Advancements in generative AI will transform productivity and open new markets by 2024, according to New Native managing partner Anas Agag. He notes the expansion of powerful yet accessible AI tools will change how businesses and consumers work. “This development is expected to make advanced AI tools more accessible, leading to significant changes in both consumer and business applications. The impact of this trend is far-reaching, affecting a wide range of sectors by simplifying complex tasks and fostering new areas for innovation,” he says. In parallel, Agag highlights that importance of cybersecurity and regulations is escalating as technologies such as AI evolve at a rapid pace. “With an increase in digital operations across industries, there’s a pressing need for effective security measures to safeguard against evolving cyber threats. This trend is a response to the growing reliance on digital infrastructure and the associated increase in security vulnerabilities that businesses face,” he says. Another notable shift is the gradual move towards environmentally responsible technology, according to Agag. “Triggered by an increased awareness of climate change and regulatory pressures, businesses and consumers are moving towards sustainable technology solutions. This shift is expected to influence various sectors, promoting a more eco-conscious approach to technology development and use,” he says. Anas Agag, Managing Partner, New Native Walid Gomaa, CEO, Omnix International “Businesses and consumers are moving towards sustainable technology solutions” Anas Agag, New Native OMNIX INTERNATIONAL Green is still the goal Robust supply chains and sustainable infrastructure will be strategic priorities for companies navigating geopolitical turbulence in the coming months, according to Walid Gomaa, CEO, Omnix International. “Amid unpredictable global uncertainties, corporate strategies will focus on establishing resilient supply chains and robust data infrastructure,” says Gomaa. With shareholders demanding greater accountability on sustainability, regulators are anticipated to tighten disclosure rules for environmental, social and governance practices. He notes that companies, especially publicly traded firms, must plan how to meet evolving transparency guidelines. Addressing the technological forefront, Gomaa identifies generative AI, cybersecurity, sustainability, VR & AR, and edge computing edge_ january 2024 31 cover story as central players. Reflecting on this, he says, “The fusion of generative AI and cybersecurity is paramount, with a $15.7 trillion AI contribution projected by 2030. Companies must invest in fortifying defences against the $10.5 trillion cyber threat in 2025.” He also notes that edge computing will also be an emerging trend that is valuable for processing time-sensitive data in remote locations with limited or no connectivity to a centralised location, essentially serving as mini data centres. Looking at the skills in demand, he further highlights cloud computing, data analysis, DevOps, and sustainability expertise. “Cloud professionals, data analysts, and adaptable AI experts will be in high demand. Future designers will need to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability through thoughtful designs and a comprehensive portfolio,” he says. POSITIVE TECHNOLOGIES Result-driven cybersecurity strategies The cybersecurity industry faces a shortage of skilled security professionals combined with a never- ending onslaught of new threats. This unsustainable dynamic has many security leaders seeking solutions to bolster operational efficiency and resilience. “The real technological breakthrough based on automated machine learning is just around the corner,” says Evgeniya Popova, Director of International Business Development, Positive Technologies. Popova predicts replacing human roles in Security Operation Centres (SOC) with advanced machine learning would elevate SOC efficiency and transform the industry. She further highlights the significance of machine learning tools in the cybersecurity landscape, stating, “Software tools that use machine learning models can already collect extended context, analytics, search for and compare implicit connections between events in the system. The probability of error in such work is negligible.” Discussing the prevailing challenge in the cybersecurity industry, Popova points out the need to impart high-level expertise to robots. “Our focus is to create an environment and tools to train our own models with complex expert data, dramatically raising the level of SOC automation.” Looking ahead to 2024, Popova addressed the evolving landscape of organisational cybersecurity strategies. Noting the limitations of fragmented solutions, he observed a shift towards one-vendor ecosystems. She says, “This shift opens up the possibility of achieving ease of use, integration, and management, impacting companies’ strategies.” “In 2024, the momentum of the digital transformation wave is set to intensify” Walid Gomaa, Omnix International Evgeniya Popova, Director of International Business Development, Positive Technologies32 edge_ january 2024 cover story PROTIVITI AI will reveal its true potential The potential of multimodal generative AI will be something organisations can look forward to in the new year. “The arrival of multimodal generative AI will enable companies to create richer content across multiple media formats,” says Amit Ray, Managing Director, Protiviti Member Firm for the Middle East. Ray believes this new class of AI, which can generate text, images, videos and audio through a single model, will revolutionise how organisations produce and share content in 2024. Discussing the impact of generative AI on job roles, Ray emphasises the need for a proactive approach to navigate the changing job market. “While generative AI automates routine tasks, it won’t replace human creativity and critical thinking,” he explains. The integration of generative AI in job roles will prompt a realignment in market dynamics, creating new job opportunities that demand skills in data analysis, machine learning, and ethical AI management. Looking ahead to 2024, Ray anticipates innovative applications of generative AI across diverse domains. “Cutting-edge models like ChatGPT 4 will unfold their genuine potential, revolutionising daily work and lives. Creative collaborations between generative AI and human artists will yield unique art, music, and design creations, showcasing the limitless possibilities of this versatile technology,” he says. REDINGTON MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA Bigger AI applications The new year will be defined by the prominence of AI and Generative AI, going beyond traditional capabilities to reshape work and daily life. PwC’s study underscores this, suggesting that generative AI could contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Viswanath Pallasena, the CEO of Redington Middle East and Africa, emphasises the shift towards valuing human creativity as AI handles routine tasks. “As we go beyond the traditional analysis and prediction capabilities of AI and generates whole new content and experiences, generative AI is expected to transform our daily lives. While we have seen powerful use cases this year, we will see even bigger applications of Viswanath Pallasena, CEO, Redington Middle East and Africa Amit Ray, Managing Director, Protiviti Member Firm for the Middle East “2024 will bring the ‘human’ back in tech” Amit Ray, Protivitiedge_ january 2024 33 cover story “The industry will see heightened transformation in the way we work and live as AI and other advanced technologies are set to unleash its full potential” Viswanath Pallasena, Redington Middle East and Africa the technology in daily life in 2024,” says Pallasena. Regarding business momentum, Pallasena sees technology as pivotal in 2024, asserting that organisations of all sizes and sectors will focus on digital strategies. Automation, spanning AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and robotics, will be key for enhanced productivity and cost-efficiency. He highlights the increasing significance of data-driven decision- making and the need for robust security measures. Summing up the tech industry in 2024, Pallasena aptly describes it as a “metamorphosis,” predicting heightened transformations in how we work and live as AI and advanced technologies reach their full potential. As organisations gear up for this transformative year, embracing innovation and technology will be crucial for staying competitive and thriving in the evolving landscape. RIVERBED TECHNOLOGY ‘Shift Left’ to drive digital experiences With younger employees demanding more advanced digital experiences, Riverbed Technology believes unified observability platforms will take centre stage in 2024. “Our research found that almost all (97 percent) of regional respondents believe more investment into unified observability platforms would allow for a better employee and customer digital experience,” says Salman Ali, Senior Manager – Solution Engineering at META, Riverbed Technology. He also notes that younger generations will drive significant changes on corporate expectations. “Millennial and Gen Z employees are the driving force behind businesses reimagining workplace experiences,” he says. Technology will also shape business strategies. Ali highlights that unified observability supports the ‘Shift Left’ approach through which teams can optimise infrastructure “rather than being bogged down by routine tasks.” This efficiencies IT operations while freeing resources for strategic differentiation. Against this backdrop, Riverbed predicts technologies like AI, cloud, digital experience management, application acceleration, and automation will also be pivotal. Salman Ali, Senior Manager – Solution Engineering, META, Riverbed Technology34 edge_ january 2024 cover story SAMSUNG GULF ELECTRONICS Revolutionising mobile technology with AI In 2024, the tech industry is expected to be significantly influenced by the integration of AI and ML into mobile technology. This development aims to enhance existing features on mobile devices, like cameras, and introduce innovative functionalities. “2024 will be the year of AI and as we move further where AI becomes more and more embedded in our digital lives,” says Fadi Abu Shamat, Head of the Mobile eXperience Division, Samsung Gulf Electronics. He adds, “In the past, Samsung Galaxy had democratised internet access and turned cameras into communication tools. And in 2024, we are doing the same with AI. Designed to empower everyone, everywhere, Galaxy AI is universal intelligence on your phone as you’ve never seen before, ensuring barrier-free communication, simplified productivity, and unconstrained creativity for all.” In line with this, Abu Shamat also predicts growing demands for AI engineering skills, stating that mastering these capabilities will be crucial for professionals to navigate the evolving tech landscape. “These skills will be essential for creating automated processes that increase efficiency and productivity and for analysing large datasets to generate valuable insights. AI engineering will also enable personalised consumer experiences in various domains, such as e-commerce or product recommendation, to improve customer satisfaction and engagement,” he says. SENTINELONE Cyber-empowered future In 2024, Generative AI, exemplified by advanced models like GPT-4 and DALL-E 3, will redefine content creation and problem- solving, ushering in an era of creativity and automation, according to SentinelOne’s Regional Director for META, Ezzeldin Hussein. “This innovation will disrupt industries, fostering creativity and automation,” he says. Hussein emphasises the crucial role of cybersecurity and cyber resilience, noting, “Digital threats are evolving, changing how companies approach data protection.” This underscores the need for an adaptive approach to safeguarding data in the face of an ever- changing threat landscape. Furthermore, Hussein foresees quantum Fadi Abu Shamat, Head of the Mobile eXperience Division, Samsung Gulf Electronics “The year 2024 will be the year of AI and as we move further where AI becomes more and more embedded in our digital lives” Fadi Abu Shamat, Samsung Gulf Electronics Ezzeldin Hussein, Regional Director, META, SentinelOneedge_ january 2024 35 cover story computing advancing cryptography, drug discovery, and optimisation, marking a computational leap. Additionally, metaverse’s convergence of physical and digital realms will reshape experiences, commerce, and work environments. To navigate this, Hussein emphasises diverse skill sets, stating, “Professionals need expertise in Generative AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and immersive technologies. Proficiency in data analytics, AI ethics, and cross-disciplinary collaboration is vital for success.” Regarding SentinelOne’s role in 2024, Hussein affirms, “We maintain industry leadership with breakthroughs in endpoint, cloud, data, and AI.” He outlines the organisation’s commitment to leading the regional tech scene by empowering local talent, enhancing cyber awareness, and fostering collaboration within the tech community. VERITAS TECHNOLOGIES Adaptive data protection As emerging technologies increasingly transform industries, data protection must advance to keep pace with growing security risks. Veritas Technologies expects AI and cybersecurity to remain at the forefront of technological shifts in 2024. “Advances in AI will be at the forefront of this evolution – both in aiding attackers and in the fight against them.” He stresses the importance of businesses enhancing their resiliency against attacks with AI-driven threat detection and encryption solutions, citing the game-changing potential of automation in driving agility and innovation while relieving pressure on IT teams. According to Veritas’ research, 77 percent of UAE organisations are already leveraging AI to boost cyber resiliency, which is a testament to this growing trend. A pivotal aspect of this evolution, Karam forecasts, is the emergence of AI-driven autonomous adaptive data protection. This approach involves continuous monitoring for changes in behavioural patterns, enabling AI to detect suspicious activity. If a compromise is suspected, the system alerts the Security Operation Centre (SOC) and initiates automated recovery processes, minimising the impact of successful attacks. “In 2024, businesses will align AI technologies with their data management strategies to ensure that data is being effectively monitored, secured, and utilised. This means that AI-powered algorithms will be used to detect and mitigate potential security threats in real time, helping organisations to respond proactively to cyber- attacks,” he explains. “Digital threats are evolving, changing how companies approach data protection” Ezzeldin Hussein, SentinelOne Johnny Karam, Managing Director and Vice President of International Emerging Region, Veritas Technologies36 edge_ january 2024 cover story ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES New jobs and opportunities AI and automation technologies will create new roles in the way that the car, telephone and internet have created new jobs, new companies and whole new industries, according to Zebra Technologies Hozefa Saylawala, Director of MESTA at Zebra Technologies, predicts AI and automation will create new jobs and opportunities across many industries. “Technology companies and the industries they serve want to hire talented AI researchers and engineers to enhance their offerings to customers. I think we’ll see an increase in AI use cases around enhancing jobs, taking over tasks, and supporting people to do great work,” he says. Regulatory changes may also impact innovation. However, Saylawala notes, “It’s important for technology companies to share expertise by participating in the regulatory process.” Zebra Technologies supports the Business Roundtable (BRT) AI Road Map, advocating for responsible, ethical, and transparent AI development and deployment. He highlights that Zebra’s AI solutions are supported and informed by human decision- making and adhere to the company’s values of accountability, transparency, and ethical purpose. “The technology industry’s ongoing commitment to innovation should not shy away from the difficult questions around the transparent use of AI. The search for those answers will always be embraced and explored for the benefit of our end-users, customers, partners, and employees,” he says. Looking ahead to 2024, Saylawala predicts that businesses will increasingly turn to technology to navigate unpredictable macro trends and challenges. “Technology can help give businesses stronger ways to keep employees, assets, inventory, and customers connected and visible,” he says. Whether it’s enhancing resilience, automating processes, or addressing labour gaps, technology, particularly AI and cloud-based solutions, plays a pivotal role in achieving efficiency, productivity, speed, and accuracy. Regarding employment trends, Saylawala observes a growing adoption of low/no code technologies across industries. “These innovations reduce the need for highly specialised skills as solutions come ready to use with useful training, so results come faster. Hozefa Saylawala, Director – MESTA, Zebra Technologies “The technology industry’s ongoing commitment to innovation should not shy away from the difficult questions around the transparent use of AI”42KM MARATHON • 10KM ROAD RACE • 4KM FUN RUN Sunday 7th January Register now at dubaimarathon.org Run for the chance to win an EXEED RX *T&Cs Apply38 edge_ january 2024 diverting significant amounts of recyclables but also yielding impressive environmental results. Rabih El Chaar, CEO and Founder at Nadeera Technologies, gives an overview on how the initiative took shape and why it matters. The concept Nadeera Technologies developed Yalla Return as an end-to-end platform to revolutionise waste management through technology enabled solutions. Comprising a mobile application, unique infrastructure, and an innovative business model, the programme encourages users to deposit recyclables by earning rewards, in specially designed, digitally-traceable waste collection bags. With this smart waste management solution, users download the Yalla Return application, deposit recyclables in one of the smart bins, trace quantities dropped off, earn credits and know their impact on the environment. These bags, equipped with QR codes, are placed in 177 public waste bins across the COP28 venue. Blockchain and AI in action The heart of the Yalla Return programme lies in Bins and Blocks How smart technologies and digital traceability are redefining waste management SUSTAINABILITY By Arya Devi A mid the global urgency to address climate change, COP28 emerged as a key catalyst for meaningful action towards sustainability, pushing the boundaries of eco-consciousness. While multiple discussions on sustainability occurred at the event, one technology player contributed to making the event itself sustainable – Nadeera Technologies. One of the key concerns of any event is the amount of waste produced and to make sure the visitors don’t litter. This was tackled at COP28 with a recycling programme called, “Yalla Return.” In collaboration with Nadeera Technologies, the initiative employs blockchain technology to trace, verify, and report recyclable waste at the event. The programme, which has shown a 95 percent user engagement rate, is not only 7 TONNES The amount of greenhouse gas emissions avoided over the first four days of COP28edge_ january 2024 39 interview its blockchain-based tracing, verification, and reporting system. Users dispose of recyclables in dedicated bins featuring Yalla Return bags, which are then scanned and inspected by waste collectors using the Yalla Return collector app. The transactions are recorded on the blockchain, ensuring the authenticity of the collection and sorting quality. Real-time analytics generated from this data provide valuable insights into recycling patterns and environmental impact. “Through QR code traceability, the system records sorting mistakes in each bag to monitor visitor behaviour. Real-time analytics can be generated from the blockchain data, providing insights into recycling patterns and environmental impact,” said El Chaar. Artificial intelligence is then applied to analyse the collected data, providing valuable insights into recycling behaviours and patterns. Over the first four days of COP28, the programme diverted 2,000 kg of recyclables, resulting in avoided greenhouse gas emissions of 7 tonnes, saved landfill space of 50 cubic metres, and energy savings of 18 MWH. Strategies user engagement The success of Yalla Return isn’t just in its technological prowess; it extends to the strategies employed for user engagement. This initiative boasts high user engagement rate attributed, to its user-friendly design and effective communication strategies. Clear and concise communication, including informational materials, social media campaigns, and direct outreach, informed users about the benefits of recycling and how to use the platform. The incorporation of real-time feedback and immediate rewards for recycling efforts, along with a gamification aspect, played a key role in engagement. “Moreover, creating a sense of community and shared responsibility can foster engagement. Yalla Return implemented features that allow users to see the collective impact of their recycling efforts, promoting a sense of belonging to a larger environmental initiative,” said El Chaar. Beyond COP28, Nadeera envisions the scalability of the Yalla Return programme. Having successfully onboarded 26,000 households across 80 communities in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia, the plan for 2024 includes expanding further in the GCC with additional projects in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The programme is deemed fit for scaling to different communities and geographies, indicating a potential global impact. Rabih El Chaar, CEO and Founder, Nadeera Technologies “Yalla Return implemented features that allow users to see the collective impact of their recycling efforts” This programme saved landfill space of 50 cubic metres Smart waste COP28 attendees earn credits by depositing recyclablesNext >