February 2025 / Vol. 3 issue 02 / an ITP Media Group Publication Helpdesk’s Mohammed Al-Sabbagh proves great tech starts with a human touch Smart Support Edge_Feb2025_00_Cover_13509682.indd 1Edge_Feb2025_00_Cover_13509682.indd 104/02/2025 13:3204/02/2025 13:32What is the world's best tech event? 9 - 12 February 2025 Malham, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia SECURE YOUR PASS NOW Untitled-1 1Untitled-1 105/02/2025 17:2905/02/2025 17:29EDGE | February 2025 3 EDITOR’S LET TER Anita Joseph Editor Download now for IOS, Android, and Kindle @fmMidEast SHAPING THE FUTURE WITH AI As we stand on the precipice of a new technological era, artifi cial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept of the distant future but a powerful force shaping the here and now. In this issue of Edge Middle East, we delve into how AI is redefi ning industries, transforming lives and reshaping the way we envision our future. The transformative potential of AI is immense. In education, AI is enabling personalised learning experiences tailored to individual needs, bridging gaps in access and quality. In sustainability, AI-driven analytics are optimising energy consumption and advancing climate change solutions. And in business, it’s helping leaders make data-driven decisions that propel growth and resilience in an uncertain world. Yet, with great power comes great responsibility. As AI grows more pervasive, it raises critical questions about ethics, governance and the future of work. How do we ensure fairness in algorithms? How do we safeguard against unintended biases that could perpetuate inequalities? And how do we prepare our workforce for an AI-driven world where adaptability is key? This issue brings together thought leaders, innovators and experts who are at the forefront of AI’s evolution. Through their insights, we explore the opportunities and challenges of this dynamic technology and what it means for the Middle East and beyond. Welcome to the future, where AI is at the edge of possibility. So, Happy Reading! WHAT’S TRENDING IN TECH DeepSeek The Chinese alternative to OpenAI is taking the world by storm. This open-source reasoning model is being hailed as a game-changer. It just doesn’t just compete with ChatGPT; it outperforms it Quantum Computing The United Nations announced 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, celebrating the power of this computing model that solves all complex computational tasks in a matter of seconds Slow Tech A detox from all the tech gadgets and apps that make lives mechanical and monotonous. A conscious shift from ‘fast technology’ and app addiction Data Privacy With the data explosion happening all around, ensuring its privacy has become a complex challenge. Frameworks and Regulations, Zero Trust, Cyber Resiliency-all impact the security and privacy of data Stay Curious, Stay Connected! Edge_Feb2025_3_Editors letter_13511115.indd 3Edge_Feb2025_3_Editors letter_13511115.indd 304/02/2025 17:3004/02/2025 17:304 EDGE | February 2025 CHANNEL Transformative strategies for the channel industry BIG PICTURE The quantum question: Solving computing challenges FEATURE Will Hooglee live up to its name and dethrone TikTok? PARTNER CONTENT Cisco report on AI adoption within UAE organisations BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT AI and technology frontrunner Blaize goes public FUTURE OpenAI is pushing the boundaries of what is possible 38 101824 40 42 Edge_Feb2025_4-5_CONTENTS_13512420.indd 4Edge_Feb2025_4-5_CONTENTS_13512420.indd 404/02/2025 11:1304/02/2025 11:13EDGE | February 2025 5 GAMING NVIDIA RTX 50 unleashed for seamless gaming experience BLURRING REALITY Challenges and opportunities posed by Deepfake CHARGED Cutting-edge gadgets of tomorrow to look out for COVER STORY Mohammed Al-Sabbagh, Director & Co-Founder, Helpdesk VINTAGE TECH Reliving the nostalgia of the Polaroid camera MARKETING LEADER Martine Billmann, Marketing Manager META, Genetec 44 263036 46 50 Edge_Feb2025_4-5_CONTENTS_13512420.indd 5Edge_Feb2025_4-5_CONTENTS_13512420.indd 504/02/2025 17:1204/02/2025 17:126 EDGE | February 2025 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 Business and Technology: Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Editor: Anita Joseph +971 4 444 3542 / anita.joseph@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 Publishing Director: Natasha Pendleton +971 4 444 3248 / natasha.pendleton@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 Head of Events: Eleanor Ashton / eleanor.ashton@itp.com Events & Marketing Manager: Kate Galaktionova Associate Events Manager: Vrinali Nazareth Associate Events Manager: Maria Trishina Events Sales Executive: Jan Mokoala 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. 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An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. 6 EDGE | February 2025 To fl ip through previous editions of Edge magazine, visit itp.net/magazine-issue/edge PUBLISHED BY AND © 2025 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. 6 EDGE | February 2025 Edge_Feb2025_6_Flannel_13511162.indd 6Edge_Feb2025_6_Flannel_13511162.indd 604/02/2025 11:0004/02/2025 11:00Stay ahead with ITP Media’s flagship technology hub, featuring five powerhouse brands: ARABIAN COMPUTER NEWS, EDGE, COMMSMEA, CHANNEL and CHARGED. From breaking tech news to deep-dive insights, we bring you the latest innovations shaping the region. QUANTUM REVOLUTION AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION How Google’s Willow chip will redefine computing forever RACING TO SECURITY E&’s Help AG: driving cybersecurity innovation at Formula 1 speeds AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION ROCKET INTO THE FUTURE How satellite internet is powering a new age of digital transformation AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION January 2025 / Vol. 3 issue 1 / an ITP Media Group Publication Tim Cook, Apple and the dawn of a new age of creativity ART MEETS ALGORITHM AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION BEST TECH OF 2024 The ultimate guide to the year’s must- have gadget s AD_ITP.net_5CoversLaunch_205x275_Approved.indd 130/01/2025 17:05 Untitled-5 1Untitled-5 131/01/2025 11:1331/01/2025 11:13ONLINE 8 EDGE | February 2025 IN,.Dubai is rapidly emerging as a global hub for creators, redefi ning the $250 billion creator economy with its innovative policies, tax-free benefi ts, and luxury lifestyle appeal. Moreover, Dubai’s global connectivity is positioning it as the ultimate destination for idigital entrepreneurs worldwide. Smart glasses, a blend of augmented reality (AR) and wearable technology, off er a seamless integration of the physical and digital realms. Smart glasses promise a heads- up display (HUD), allowing users to stay immersed in their surroundings while accessing digital information in real time. OpenAI wants to redefi ne robotics with its cutting-edge AI, creating robots capable of adapting, learning, and performing tasks in ways existing systems cannot match. The implications of OpenAI’s robotics venture could be nothing short of transformative and is capable of rewritig our future. Positioned as a direct rival to TikTok, Hooglee promises to empower creators with cutting-edge AI tools that make professional-quality videos accessible to everyone. But with the stakes this high, the question remains: Will Hooglee live up to its name and alter the way we create and share videos? WHAT’S TRENDING ONLINE ITP. N E T Is Dubai the Global Content Creator Hub? What’s Next After Smartphones? How OpenAI is Spearheading a New Future Will Hooglee Live Up to Its Name? WHAT OUR READERS THINK... User Concerns Rise Following Meta’s Decision to End Fact-Checking on Instagram and Facebook Is Dubai Emerging as the World’s Most Infl uencer-Friendly Hub? “A well-written article. Keep giving us more such cutting-edge stories”—Jay Me hta-CIO, IT Specialist “Very Informative”-Bagmi Sahoo -Digital Transformation & EA Leader| Technology & Strategy Advisory Edge_Feb2025_8-9_Web DPS_13509421.indd 8Edge_Feb2025_8-9_Web DPS_13509421.indd 804/02/2025 11:0304/02/2025 11:03ONLINE EDGE | February 2025 9 IN,.Today, Apple’s role goes beyond hardware and software. The company has embarked on what it calls “Apple Intelligence.” While the world might tag it as AI, Apple frames it diff erently. “It’s built on creativity,” says Cook. “It’s built to extend your creativity, not to replace it.” In an era when generative AI can conjure images or compose text at a keystroke, Apple wants its intelligence layer seen as a collaborator. It is now giving its AI-driven tools time to mature, ensuring they serve genuine artistic expression, rather than simply chasing headlines. TIM COOK, APPLE AND THE NEW AGE OF CREATIVITY EDGE | February 2025 9 ONLINE Edge_Feb2025_8-9_Web DPS_13509421.indd 9Edge_Feb2025_8-9_Web DPS_13509421.indd 904/02/2025 16:2904/02/2025 16:29Next >