Untitled-1.indd 230/09/2024 10:12Untitled-1.indd 330/09/2024 10:12FEATURE 4 Edge/ October 2024 UNDERSTANDING WHAT GENAI CAN DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS Generative Artifi cial Intelligence, often abbreviated as GenAI, refers to a class of AI models capable of generating new content based on the data they have been trained on. Unlike traditional AI models designed to perform specifi c tasks, such as recognising images or translating text, GenAI models are versatile and creative. They can produce human-like text, create realistic images, compose music, write code, and even simulate conversations. This technology has become increasingly prominent, thanks to advancements in deep learning, particularly with the development of large language models like GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer). At its core, GenAI functions by learning patterns and structures from vast amounts of data. For instance, a language model like GPT is trained on diverse text data from books, articles, websites, and other sources. This training enables the model to understand grammar, context, idioms, and nuances in human language. When prompted with a specifi c input, GenAI can generate coherent and contextually relevant text that appears like a human wrote it. This ability has profound implications across various industries, from content creation and customer service to education and entertainment. 4 Edge/ October 2024 SPOTLIGHT Edge_Oct2024_4_Spotlight_13389869.indd 430/09/2024 15:35Edge/ October 2024 5 Charting New Horizons: MENA’s Tech Leaders Are Driving Global Innovation Stay Curious! Stay Connected! Sindhu V Kashyap Editor EDITOR’S LETTER In the October issue of this magazine we celebrate the visionaries propelling the Middle East and North Africa into a new era of technological innovation and global infl uence. We are proud to present our fi rst ever annual Power List, highlighting the top leaders redefi ning the MENA region’s tech landscape and signifi cantly impacting the global stage. These individuals embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and forward-thinking, which drive our region towards a dynamic future. Our cover story featuring e&, formerly Etisalat Group, is at the forefront of this transformation. Under the exceptional leadership of Group CEO Hatem Dowidar, e& has undergone a remarkable evolution from a regional telecommunications provider into a global tech powerhouse. Dowidar’s strategic vision and commitment to embracing cutting-edge technologies have positioned e& as a pivotal player in the international tech arena. Dowidar shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of steering a legacy company through a digital metamorphosis. He discusses the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, investing in future technologies, and leadership’s critical role in navigating the complexities of global expansion. The magazine also brings you stories of other infl uential leaders shaping industries, disrupting norms, and contributing to the socio-economic development of the MENA region. From groundbreaking entrepreneurs to seasoned executives, their journeys off er valuable lessons in leadership, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As we navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the role of visionary leaders becomes increasingly crucial. They are the catalysts for change, driving progress and inspiring the next generation of innovators. At Edge/, we are committed to bringing their stories to the forefront and providing insights that empower our readers to be part of this exciting evolution. Edge_Oct2024_3_Editor Letter_13380057.indd 530/09/2024 15:346 Edge/ October 2024 CONT INTERVIEW Mae AlMansoori Director, Directed Energy Research Centre, TII BIG PICTURE Building Tomorrow: Neom, Saudi Arabia’s Futuristic City INTERVIEW Stephanie Nour Prince, Nuwa Capital FEATURE MENA Tech Sector: Startups attracted $335 million THE POWER LIST Leaders Transforming the Technology Landscape FEATURE Breaking Down Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Law 38 101820 40 42 Edge_Oct2024_4-5_Contents_13403597.indd 630/09/2024 15:36Edge/ October 2024 7 ENTS SMARTBUYS How Qualys’ Total Cloud is Shaping Cloud Security COVER STORY Hatem Dowidar e& Group CEO on the company’s tech journey GADGETS Exciting new devices to watch out for! FEATURE Saudi Arabia: Why Global Giants Are Racing to Invest VINTAGE TECH The Legacy of the Floppy Disk FEATURE Is Tech Debt Putting Your Business at Risk? 84 243236 86 90 Edge_Oct2024_4-5_Contents_13403597.indd 730/09/2024 16:598 Edge/ October 2024 PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (0)4 444 3000 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi Managing Director: Martin Chambers Head of Digital Media: Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Editor: Sindhu V Kashyap +971 4 444 3497 / sindhu.varadarayan@itp.com Commercial Editor: Arya Devi +971 4 444 3175 / arya.devi@itp.com ART Art Director: Amjad Ayche Art Editor: Tofi q Memon ADVERTISING Group Commercial Director: Anup Nagpurkar +971 4 444 3573 / anup.nagpurkar@itp.com Group Commercial Manager: Priyanka Pillai +971 4 444 3399 / priyanka.pillai@itp.com Client Services Manager: Cherylann DAbreo +971 4 444 3404 / cherlyann.dabreo@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Video Editor: Liju Cheruvathur MARKETING Senior Events & Marketing Manager: Eleanor Ashton / eleanor.ashton@itp.com Events & Marketing Manager: Olivia Keen-Smith Associate Events & Marketing Manager: Kate Galaktionova Events & Marketing Manager: Dmitry Lazarenko Senior Events Manager: Karishma Vithalani Associate Events Manager: Vrinali Nazareth Events Administrative Assistant: Aronn Pureza Events Administrative Assistant: Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant: Joyce Salonga / events@itp.com PRODUCTION Production Manager: Balasubramanian P DISTRIBUTION Circulation Executive: Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator: Avinash Pereira ITP GROUP CEO: Ali Akawi CFO: Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. PUBLISHED BY AND © 2024 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. Edge_Oct2024_6_Flannel_13380058.indd 830/09/2024 15:37The voice of the digital revolution Provocative. Innovative. Insightful. FOR COMMERCIAL ENQUIRIES Priyanka Pillai Group Commercial Manager T: +971 4 444 3399 M: +971 52 576 0260 E: priyanka.pillai@itp.com AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION www.edgemiddleeast.comNext >