AI Impact on Tourism: The UAE’s tourism engine kept the economy humming in 2024, contributing AED 257.3 billion (≈$70bn), about 13% of GDP, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. For 2025, WTTC projects record visitor spend, with international outlays rising ~5% to AED 228–229 billion and domestic spending reaching ~AED 60 billion.

AI is rewriting the guest journey.

Mobile check-ins, AI-powered personalization, cloud platforms, and real-time analytics are standard across leading UAE properties, improving service speed and accuracy while informing smarter, greener operations. Industry voices note the country’s early move to advanced holiday-home frameworks and innovative entry systems, which elevate security and guest trust while enabling a consistent digital experience. Beyond experience, the shift is environmental. Data-driven energy management and emissions tracking help hotels cut consumption and quantify their carbon footprints, aligning with the UAE’s green-tourism goals.

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism recently recognized 153 hotels with the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) Stamp, a more-than-twofold jump from the first cycle. This is evidence that digital systems for efficiency and measurement are moving from pilots to practice.

What global bodies are saying?

The UN World Tourism Organisation frames AI as a catalyst in destination management, reshaping how travellers interact with places and how authorities plan, price, and protect resources.  AI is central to smart destinations, enhancing service quality, optimising resources, and enabling more personalised, real-time experiences, key levers for competitive, sustainable tourism.

Academic research echoes this perspective. A University of Málaga study (2024) found that AI enables smart destinations to:

• Improve service quality and forecasting accuracy

• Personalize offerings in real time

• Optimize resources and energy use

• Stimulate local investment and innovation

These insights reinforce why the UAE is viewed as a global testbed for smart tourism, combining economic performance with digital transformation and sustainability. The UAE isn’t just adopting shiny tools; it’s building operating systems for tourism common data layers, secure identity and entry, and cloud-first workflows—that compound returns over time.

The upshot is a flywheel: better experiences → richer data → smarter operations → lower emissions → stronger brand and back again.

Industry Voices: AI as the New Standard

Qutaiba Al Ali, founder and CEO of The Digital Hotelier, highlighted the UAE’s pioneering role in regulating holiday homes and requiring smart entry systems to strengthen safety and sustainability. “Embracing technology is not just about keeping pace, it’s a practical step to enhance guest experiences, ensure security, and align with green tourism goals,” he said.

Similarly, Stacey Samuel, Corporate Director of Technology at Ishraq Hospitality, underlined the central role of cloud platforms, contactless check-ins, and AI personalization in redefining hospitality operations. “Successful hotels unify data, operations, and staff under a clear digital vision,” Samuel said, adding that Dubai’s digital-first infrastructure provides a strong foundation for secure data exchange and sustainable smart city practices.

As the UAE prepares for another year of strong tourism growth, the integration of artificial intelligence and digital innovation is no longer just a competitive advantage it is the foundation of a new hospitality era. The country’s ability to link economic performance, guest satisfaction, and sustainability through technology positions it as a global model for smart tourism.

By embedding AI across the value chain whether in predictive analytics for visitor flows, real-time personalization of services, or AI-driven sustainability metrics the UAE is future-proofing its tourism sector against shifting global trends and traveler expectations. Importantly, this transformation extends beyond hotels to touch airlines, airports, cultural attractions, and retail, creating a seamlessly connected ecosystem.

If the momentum continues, the Emirates may soon define the international benchmark for AI-enabled tourism, showcasing how innovation can enrich experiences, protect the environment, and strengthen a nation’s global standing.

An inclusive AI Project: From Your Eyes to NeuroVision AI Tech Inc., the 23-year-old founder shows how a student idea can become a global AI company.

Her journey began the day she was born with a 95% visual disability. Diagnosed in infancy, her family moved from Northern Cyprus to Istanbul to seek better healthcare and opportunities. Technology soon became her bridge to the world: computers, screen readers, and early assistive tools allowed her to learn, grow, and imagine beyond limits. By her teenage years, she was already experimenting with projects that combined empathy and engineering.

Building AI for Accessibility

At 21, she founded FROM YOUR EYES, a mobile app that uses artificial intelligence and volunteers to describe images for people with visual disabilities. The AI delivers a caption in just seven seconds; if users want more detail, a global network of volunteers responds in about two minutes. Together, machine learning and human insight create richer, more reliable descriptions.

The platform now reaches beta users across 27 countries, has generated over 8,000 descriptions, and continues to improve as volunteer contributions refine the AI model. It’s a simple yet powerful example of human-in-the-loop AI, where technology and people enhance each other.

From Vision to Scale

Zülal didn’t stop there. By 23, she launched her second venture, NeuroVision AI Tech Inc., scaling from Türkiye to Silicon Valley. The company’s focus is ambitious:

• Smart Mobility: Embedding artificial vision into next-generation vehicles.

• Urban Perception Infrastructure: Designing AI systems that help cities and machines “see.”

• Federated Intelligence: Pushing beyond centralised AI toward more secure and inclusive AI.

These projects aren’t just about accessibility; they’re about reshaping how AI interacts with the physical world.

The Ecosystem That Backed Her

Behind this rapid growth is also the Microsoft ecosystem, which recognized Zülal’s potential early on.

• At 18, she was named one of Microsoft’s youngest global tech leaders.

• At 22, she won the Imagine Cup World Championship, receiving $100,000 in funding and a mentorship session with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.

• In 2025, she became the EMEA Winner of the Microsoft Women Power Awards, a title usually reserved for leaders with decades of experience.

Through Imagine Cup, Microsoft for Startups, and GitHub for Startups, she gained capital and tools like Azure, mentorship, visibility, and credibility that helped open doors to partnerships, including with giants like NVIDIA.

As she puts it:

“Imagine Cup didn’t just support us it believed in what we could become. That belief was our big bang.”

Her rapid rise also highlights a generational shift in entrepreneurship. Zülal represents a wave of young founders building profitable companies and weaving social impact into their core mission with Inclusive AI. For her, accessibility is not a feature to be added later; it is the starting point. She shows how technology can answer real human needs while competing on a global stage by embedding inclusion (Inclusive AI) at the heart of both From Your Eyes and NeuroVision AI Tech.

Inclusive AI: Redefining Leadership

Today, Zülal is recognized as the world’s first blind Technology Ambassador, leading international teams where inclusion is a principle and practice. Her story proves innovation doesn’t always start in boardrooms; it can begin in dorms, hackathons, or late-night coding sessions.

What makes her journey stand out is her resilience and her vision: that AI must be inclusive. By blending her personal experience, cutting-edge research, and the right partnerships, she has created companies that change how people with disabilities interact with the world and how cities may function in the future.

Zülal Tannur’s story proves that technology can be more than code; it can be a bridge. Her work shows what happens when personal determination, inclusive AI, and strong ecosystems unite.

Perhaps the lesson for future innovators is simple: when you dare to see further, the world begins to look different, too.

Inclusive AI can make our lives better and easier.

Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is undergoing a significant restructuring of its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. In a recent announcement, the company confirmed that it has frozen all AI-related hiring and tied internal transfers within the AI division to the approval of Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang. This decision is part of a comprehensive reorganization within Meta’s “Superintelligence Lab,” reflecting the company’s intent to optimize operations, reduce redundancies, and increase efficiency in AI research and development (Times of India).

Aggressive Talent Acquisition and Its Aftermath

Over the past two years, Meta pursued an aggressive talent acquisition strategy to establish dominance in AI. The company recruited over 50 top-tier researchers and engineers from competitors, including OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Apple, and Anthropic. Some employees received offers exceeding $100 million in total compensation, while a select few, including a lead researcher, were offered packages valued at $1.5 billion. Zuckerberg himself was personally involved, reaching out via email and WhatsApp to attract elite talent. This strategic hiring spree was aimed at accelerating Meta’s AI capabilities and positioning the company at the forefront of the industry.

Despite its ambitious goals, the rapid expansion brought challenges. Multiple high-profile employees departed the AI division amid strategic realignments and organizational shifts. Angela Fan, who played a pivotal role in developing the LLaMA AI model, joined OpenAI. Similarly, Loredana Crisan, Meta’s Vice President overseeing generative AI, left to join Figma. These exits have sparked questions about stability within Meta’s AI division and the long-term feasibility of its talent strategy (Times of India).

Strategic Restructuring and Organizational Focus

Meta’s restructuring reflects a strategic shift in the company’s approach to AI. Previously, Meta invested $14 billion in Scale AI, aiming to build a robust AI infrastructure. However, recent underperformance of certain AI models and changes in leadership prompted a reevaluation. By freezing AI hiring and reorganizing its teams, Meta intends to concentrate resources on high-impact projects and ensure that its AI division operates more efficiently.

The reorganization also emphasizes accountability. All internal transfers within AI now require approval from Chief AI Officer Wang, signaling tighter oversight and a push for alignment between talent deployment and strategic priorities. This approach aims to maintain Meta’s competitive advantage while avoiding the inefficiencies associated with rapid scaling and overlapping projects.

Investor Concerns and Market Implications

Meta’s AI restructuring has raised concerns among investors regarding the return on the company’s substantial investments. Questions have emerged about whether the leadership changes and strategic realignments might slow growth in one of the company’s key innovation areas. Despite these concerns, analysts suggest that the restructuring may strengthen Meta’s long-term position in AI by focusing on efficiency, high-priority projects, and sustainable growth strategies.

The freeze on hiring and tightened control over internal movements also reflect Meta’s acknowledgment of the need to manage its human capital carefully. By refining internal processes and setting clear priorities, the company hopes to reduce turnover, enhance collaboration, and maintain a high level of productivity among remaining employees.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Meta’s AI division is expected to continue evolving under this new strategic framework. The company plans to focus on enhancing model performance, optimizing AI infrastructure, and exploring applications that drive both user engagement and revenue growth. By concentrating on high-value projects and ensuring that top talent is effectively deployed, Meta aims to solidify its status as a global leader in AI technology.

While investor concerns persist, the restructuring may ultimately position Meta for more sustainable innovation. The company’s efforts to align talent management, project prioritization, and organizational efficiency are likely to influence its competitive standing positively. Analysts note that these changes could serve as a model for other technology companies balancing rapid growth with long-term strategic focus.

Meta Platforms has made a strategic move by hiring Frank Chu, a leading AI executive from Apple, even as the company slows down AI hiring across its units. Chu will join Meta’s Superintelligence Labs infrastructure team MSL Infra, which is responsible for building and managing the AI systems that support the company’s long-term ambitions (Bloomberg)

Strategic Talent Acquisition Amid Hiring Freeze

Although Meta has implemented a slowdown in AI recruitment, the company continues to hire for critical positions that are considered essential to its ongoing AI initiatives (WSJ). Chu’s recruitment reflects Meta’s commitment to securing top-tier AI talent in a highly competitive landscape that includes Apple, OpenAI, and other leading technology companies (Times of India)

Chu is the sixth major AI executive to move from Apple to Meta in the past seven weeks following other high profile departures such as Ruoming Pang, Tom Gunter, and Mark Lee (MacRumors). This trend highlights the ongoing competition for AI talent in Silicon Valley, where companies offer substantial compensation packages to attract and retain engineers and leaders with advanced skill.

Chu’s Expertise and Role

During his tenure at Apple, Chu led teams responsible for large-scale cloud infrastructure, AI model training, and search development (Moneycontrol). He played a key role in improving Apple’s AI offerings, including enhancements to Siri. Chu’s expertise in scaling AI systems and managing advanced models makes him a significant addition to Meta’s AI infrastructure division. His arrival is expected to strengthen Meta’s capabilities and accelerate the development of AI technologies across the company

Meta has undergone four internal reorganizations of its AI division over the last six months (Reuters). These structural changes were aimed at addressing rapid growth and operational challenges while ensuring that the company can continue to innovate. The hiring of Chu is part of a broader strategy to maintain leadership in AI development and to ensure that high-priority projects are completed effectively despite the general hiring freeze

Implications for Apple

Apple’s loss of Chu raises questions about the company’s ability to maintain momentum in AI development (MacRumors). While Apple continues to invest in artificial intelligence, including upgrades to Siri and other AI services, the departure of top talent to competitors like Meta could impact the speed and scale of these efforts. Industry observers note that the movement of executives such as Chu underscores the intense competition for AI expertise in the technology sector

Meta’s Dual Strategy

Meta’s current approach reflects a dual strategy of limiting overall hiring to control costs while selectively recruiting individuals for key positions (WSJ). This method allows the company to remain competitive in AI innovation without increasing headcount across all teams. By focusing on critical hires such as Chu, Meta can continue to advance its AI infrastructure and maintain momentum in areas that are most strategically important for its future growth

The move also sends a signal to the broader technology industry that Meta remains aggressive in securing talent even during periods of internal restructuring. The combination of careful workforce management and targeted executive recruitment is designed to balance financial prudence with the need to maintain technological leadership

Chu’s hiring is expected to have a direct impact on the efficiency and capabilities of Meta’s AI systems. By leveraging his experience from Apple, Meta aims to improve large-scale model training, optimize AI-driven services, and enhance overall infrastructure performance. The company’s ongoing efforts in AI development are closely watched by investors and industry analysts who view leadership in artificial intelligence as a key factor in long-term competitiveness

Overall, Meta’s recruitment of Frank Chu demonstrates the company’s commitment to strengthening its AI division while carefully managing resources. This approach highlights the growing importance of AI talent in Silicon Valley and the strategic moves companies make to maintain leadership in a rapidly evolving technological landscape

Sampo AI, an Oman-based startup specializing in AI-driven dynamic pricing solutions for e-commerce businesses, successfully raised $750,000 in a pre-seed funding round in January 2025. This investment is notable for being the largest pre-seed funding round ever recorded in Oman, marking a significant milestone in the country’s developing technology ecosystem. The sizable capital injection highlights growing investor confidence in Omani startups and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region’s emerging digital economy (https://www.wamda.com/en/2025/01/oman-sampo-ai-raises-750000-pre-seed).

The funding round was co led by Omantel Innovation Labs, the innovation and venture arm of Oman’s leading telecommunications provider, and Waad VC, a prominent venture capital firm focused on technology startups in the Middle East. Additional participation came from regional technology fund Hexnture and several private investors from Saudi Arabia, reflecting a growing cross-border interest in Gulf based startups with scalable regional potential (https://www.wamda.com/en/2025/01/oman-sampo-ai-raises-750000-pre-seed.

Founded in July 2024 by entrepreneurs Saif Al‑Essai and Khalifa Manaa, Sampo AI has developed an AI-powered pricing platform that enables online retailers to optimize their pricing strategies based on comprehensive data analysis. By leveraging behavioral insights, purchase pattern recognition, and rigorous A/B testing methodologies, the platform offers dynamic pricing recommendations that help merchants maximize profitability and remain competitive in fast-changing markets. A key advantage of Sampo AI is its proprietary database, which contains pricing information on over 10 million products across regional e-commerce platforms, enabling clients to gain unparalleled market visibility (https://www.wamda.com/en/2025/01/oman-sampo-ai-raises-750000-pre-seed. 

The newly acquired funds will be strategically deployed to accelerate Sampo AI’s growth across the GCC, with a special focus on expanding operations in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. These markets have experienced rapid growth in e-commerce activity, with increasing demand for sophisticated pricing tools that can adapt to local customer preferences, seasonal trends, and competitive landscapes. To this end, Sampo AI plans to tailor its artificial intelligence algorithms to better reflect the linguistic, cultural, and economic nuances of each target market. This localization effort aims to provide clients with more accurate pricing insights, increased customer engagement, and enhanced sales performance (https://www.wamda.com/en/2025/01/oman-sampo-ai-raises-750000-pre-seed, https://www.rasmal.com/sampo-ai-secures-750000-pre-seed-funding).

In an official statement, co-founder and CEO Saif Al‑Essai emphasized the importance of this investment for the company’s mission: “This funding not only validates our vision but also empowers us to redefine pricing strategies for e-commerce businesses in the Middle East. We are excited to contribute to Oman’s emergence as a regional innovation hub.” Al‑Essai also noted the significance of investor confidence in Oman’s burgeoning technology sector and expressed optimism about the startup’s future impact (https://www.wamda.com/en/2025/01/oman-sampo-ai-raises-750000-pre-seed).

Following the funding announcement, Sampo AI officially launched its platform and introduced a 14-day free trial period for new users, coupled with a customer satisfaction guarantee. This approach is designed to reduce barriers to adoption and demonstrate the platform’s value to a broad range of e-commerce merchants (https://www.wamda.com/en/2025/01/oman-sampo-ai-raises-750000-pre-seed).

The timing of this successful funding round is particularly significant in light of Oman’s national strategies aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence adoption and fostering innovation. The government’s AI roadmap for 2025–2026 prioritizes the development of AI ecosystems, startup support programs, and investment in technology infrastructure, creating a favorable environment for startups like Sampo AI to thrive. Omantel Innovation Labs’ investment aligns directly with these national goals, helping to position Oman as a key player in the regional technology landscape (https://www.omantel.om/About%20us/media-center/news/details/innovation%20labs).

Since its inception just six months prior to the funding round, Sampo AI’s rapid growth and ability to attract high-profile investors highlight the maturation of Oman’s startup ecosystem. The company is now focused on expanding its technical and data science teams based in Muscat and launching pilot programs with leading e-commerce companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Planned platform enhancements include real-time competitor price monitoring, AI-powered promotional campaign planning, and adaptive pricing models that consider regional tax policies and consumer shopping behaviors (https://www.decypha.com/en/news/details/Oman-s-Sampo-closes–750-000-round-to-accelerate-growth-in-GCC/21463457).

The rise of Sampo AI also reflects broader trends within the MENA region’s e-commerce sector, which is undergoing rapid digital transformation. Despite significant market growth, the adoption of localized AI-powered pricing tools remains limited, presenting substantial opportunities for innovative companies. Sampo AI’s rich data assets and AI expertise position it well to capture this market gap and help regional retailers optimize their operations and profitability (https://www.middleeastainews.com/p/sampo-ai-raises-750k-in-omans-largest).

In conclusion, Sampo AI’s record-breaking pre-seed funding round is a clear indicator of Oman’s growing prominence in technology and artificial intelligence. With ambitious plans for regional expansion, a solid investor base, and strong alignment with national innovation strategies, Sampo AI is well-positioned to become a key player in the GCC’s AI-powered e-commerce ecosystem. The company’s success story serves as an example of how Gulf startups can leverage AI to transform traditional industries and drive sustainable economic growth.

The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has officially announced the appointment of Ali Mohammad Al Marzooqi as its new Director General. This leadership change marks a pivotal step in steering the Chamber’s strategic direction for the period 2025 to 2028, focusing on accelerating Abu Dhabi’s economic growth and supporting the private sector’s development across diverse industries (Abu Dhabi Chamber Official).

Experienced Leadership with a Vision for Economic Growth

Ali Mohammad Al Marzooqi brings over two decades of extensive experience in government and economic affairs. Before assuming his new role, he held senior leadership positions within various Abu Dhabi government entities, where he contributed significantly to implementing key economic policies and enhancing public-private partnerships. His expertise is expected to fast-track the Chamber’s mission to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic diversification in the emirate (The National News).

Roadmap 2025-2028: Shaping Abu Dhabi’s Economic Future

The Chamber has unveiled its comprehensive strategic plan, titled “Roadmap 2025-2028,” designed to transform Abu Dhabi’s economic landscape by improving the business climate, enhancing competitiveness, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Under Al Marzooqi’s leadership, these objectives are set to align closely with the broader UAE Vision 2031 goals, which aim for a diversified and resilient economy (Abu Dhabi Chamber Strategic Plans).

Key focus areas of the roadmap include digital transformation, trade enhancement, sustainability, and workforce development. The Chamber intends to leverage digital technologies to streamline business operations and enhance service delivery for its members. Strengthening trade relations will position Abu Dhabi as a global business hub, attracting foreign investment and expanding export opportunities (Arabian Business).

Commitment to Innovation and Private Sector Empowerment

Ali Mohammad Al Marzooqi expressed his dedication to driving the Chamber’s ambitious goals, stating, “I am honored to lead the Abu Dhabi Chamber during this pivotal period. Our focus will be on empowering businesses, fostering innovation, and building partnerships that drive sustainable economic growth.” He emphasized the importance of government and private sector collaboration to ensure a resilient, diversified economy (The National News).

In addition to his economic development expertise, Al Marzooqi is a strong advocate for entrepreneurship and startup growth. He plans to introduce new initiatives offering entrepreneurs improved access to funding, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities, supporting Abu Dhabi’s efforts to nurture a vibrant startup ecosystem and innovation-driven enterprises (Arabian Business Startups).

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

The Chamber’s roadmap also places considerable emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Member companies will be encouraged to adopt greener business practices, aligning with the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development goals and global efforts toward greener economies. Initiatives will include workshops, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with international environmental organizations (Abu Dhabi Chamber Sustainability).

Aligning with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Transformation

Al Marzooqi’s appointment comes at a critical time as Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE continue to diversify their economies away from oil dependence. Heavy investments in technology, renewable energy, tourism, and other sectors underline the government’s commitment to economic resilience. The Chamber’s new strategic roadmap complements these efforts by empowering the private sector to play a central role in driving innovation and growth (The National News on UAE Economy).

Industry Response and Future Outlook

Industry experts have welcomed the appointment, praising Al Marzooqi’s track record and vision. They anticipate that his leadership will enhance the Chamber’s capacity to support its members effectively, foster a conducive business environment, and stimulate private sector-led initiatives. His approach is expected to promote stronger collaboration between stakeholders and boost competitiveness in the region (Arabian Business Analysis).

To ensure effective implementation, the Chamber plans to apply clear performance indicators and conduct regular progress reviews. This structured strategy will allow flexibility and adaptation to changing economic conditions and emerging market opportunities.

Conclusion

The appointment of Ali Mohammad Al Marzooqi as Director General represents a strategic milestone for the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Through the “Roadmap 2025-2028,” the Chamber is positioned to play a leading role in fostering a dynamic, innovative, and sustainable business environment. This leadership change and strategic vision will be instrumental in contributing to Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic success and resilience.

Global artificial intelligence firms are increasingly forging strategic partnerships with regional companies to gain access to user data that is not available through public web sources. These partnerships aim to enhance the performance of AI models in specific sectors like healthcare, finance, logistics, and e‑commerce fields where structured, real-time data is more valuable than the open internet.

One notable example is OpenAI, which has entered into partnerships with Shopee, a leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia operated by Sea Ltd., and Shopify, one of the most widely used platforms for online stores globally. Through these agreements, OpenAI gains access to valuable behavioral data, customer queries, and transaction logs—elements that are rarely available through traditional web scraping. This type of data allows OpenAI to fine-tune models like ChatGPT for e-commerce use cases such as smart customer support, dynamic product recommendations, and personalized marketing (https://www.theverge.com/2025/07/10/openai-shopify-partnership-ai-data).

Other AI companies are taking alternative approaches. Perplexity AI, a rapidly growing AI search startup, has partnered with telecom operators to distribute its services at scale and simultaneously gain data insights. In India, it partnered with Bharti Airtel to offer all 360 million Airtel subscribers free access to Perplexity Pro—its premium AI product. Similar agreements have also been made in Japan with SoftBank and in South Korea with SK Telecom. According to mobile analytics firm Sensor Tower, Perplexity’s app downloads in India increased by over 600% year-on-year, outpacing ChatGPT, which recorded a 587% increase over the same period (https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/bharti-airtel-perplexity-artificial-intelligence-partnership-free-subscription-125071700521_1.html; https://www.theoutpost.ai/news-story/perplexity-ai-surges-in-india-challenging-chat-gpt-s-dominance-17934).

Google is also experimenting with a similar approach by offering free access to AI tools in university networks and select markets like India and Brazil. These deployments allow the company to gather insights into how people in different cultural and linguistic environments interact with generative AI something that generalized datasets often fail to capture.

Industry analysts say these partnerships are redefining how AI companies train their models. Sameer Patil from the Observer Research Foundation in India noted, “These data-sharing arrangements provide not just volume but context—allowing models to learn more effectively in domain-specific environments.” He emphasized that the personalization and local relevance offered by such models are largely dependent on high-quality proprietary datasets.

However, these practices are not without controversy. As AI companies gain deeper access to personal, transactional, and behavioral data, concerns around data privacy, user consent, and sovereignty are growing—especially in emerging markets. Governments in countries such as India, Turkey, Nigeria, and Vietnam are increasingly pushing for data localization laws that require companies to store and process user data within national borders. This trend aims to reduce the influence of foreign entities over local digital infrastructure while enhancing control over how data is collected and used (https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/technology/data-localisation-in-india/article67719286.ece).

India’s recent Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP), although not fully implemented yet, reflects the government’s intention to tighten oversight over foreign tech firms. Legal experts argue that partnerships like the Airtel–Perplexity deal exist in a regulatory gray zone, where enforcement and transparency are still developing. Privacy advocates have also raised questions about whether users truly understand the scope of data sharing when they use “free” AI services bundled into telecom or platform offerings (https://www.the-secretariat.in/article/airtel-is-giving-free-perplexity-ai-can-india-handle-the-pandora-s-box-it-ll-open).

Additionally, ethical considerations about who benefits from these partnerships are now entering policy discussions. While AI companies receive a steady flow of high-quality data to improve their products, local entities often receive limited returns or influence over how the models are deployed or monetized. Some experts have called for global frameworks to ensure more equitable benefit-sharing in AI data partnerships.

The shift from scraping publicly available online data to acquiring exclusive offline datasets via commercial partnerships represents a new phase in AI development. These deals give companies access to fresher, more structured, and domain-specific information—but they also raise concerns about user rights, consent, and international data flows.

In summary, global AI firms are actively forming strategic alliances with e-commerce platforms, telecom companies, and service providers to access offline user data. This new model of AI data acquisition provides a significant advantage in developing localized and accurate models. However, without updated legal frameworks and clear safeguards, these strategies could outpace existing privacy protections and challenge national data governance structures. The evolving landscape calls for stronger regulations, greater transparency, and more inclusive decision-making in shaping the future of global AI development.

A recent global survey reveals an interesting contrast in how artificial intelligence (AI) is embraced by internet users in the UAE, especially in the travel sector. While AI enjoys widespread adoption across various activities, its use in travel planning remains surprisingly low. However, the survey shows that those who do use AI for their trips report exceptionally high satisfaction levels, pointing to significant growth potential for AI in the travel industry.

Widespread AI Adoption in the UAE

The survey found that approximately 88% of internet users in the UAE have interacted with AI technology at least once (Global AI Usage Survey). AI’s application spans multiple areas: 75% use it for research, 59% for professional work, and 51% for studying. Entertainment (50%) and experimenting with new technologies (42%) are also popular uses among users.

Despite this broad adoption, only 36% of respondents reported using AI tools to assist with travel planning, which is notably low given the benefits AI offers in simplifying complex trip arrangements.

Why Travelers Are Hesitant to Use AI for Planning

The lower adoption rate for AI in travel planning could be attributed to various factors. Travelers often rely on traditional sources such as travel agents, personal recommendations, or direct website searches for critical information. The uncertainty regarding the accuracy of AI-generated data, especially related to travel regulations, visas, and bookings, may contribute to this hesitancy.

AI tools, while excellent for inspiration and preliminary research, can sometimes fall short when precise, real-time information is needed. Travelers remain cautious about relying solely on AI for booking confirmations, visa requirements, or travel advisories due to the risk of outdated or incorrect data.

High Satisfaction Among Those Using AI for Travel

Interestingly, among the 36% who use AI for planning their travels, satisfaction levels are remarkably high. Globally, 99% of AI travel users reported a positive experience, with 96% of UAE respondents sharing this sentiment (Travel AI Satisfaction Study). Furthermore, 83% of users expressed their intent to continue using AI for future travel planning.

Common uses of AI in travel include researching local events and activities, finding accommodation, searching for restaurants, and comparing ticket prices. Families with children particularly find AI useful for managing intricate travel itineraries, where balancing multiple preferences and schedules is challenging.

AI’s Current Limitations and Areas for Improvement

Despite these positive experiences, the survey highlights AI’s limitations in areas where accuracy is critical. Visa information and vital booking details often require verification from official sources due to the risk of inaccuracies in AI-generated suggestions. This lack of trust in AI’s precision in these domains acts as a barrier to more widespread adoption.

To address these challenges, AI developers and travel platforms are encouraged to integrate official data sources and real-time updates, ensuring that travelers receive reliable, up-to-date information. Enhanced transparency about AI’s data sources and limitations can also build user trust.

The Future of AI in Travel Planning

As AI technologies continue to advance rapidly, their role in the travel industry is expected to expand significantly. AI’s strength lies in aggregating vast amounts of data to provide personalized recommendations, streamline research, and simplify comparisons, which can save travelers time and effort.

In the future, AI-powered platforms could offer comprehensive travel solutions, covering everything from visa applications to real-time flight updates and emergency assistance. Collaboration between AI developers, government agencies, and travel service providers will be key to building robust systems trusted by users.

Opportunities for Growth in the UAE Market

The UAE’s tech-savvy population and vibrant tourism sector make it an ideal market for expanding AI use in travel planning. Despite current low adoption, the high satisfaction rates among users indicate strong potential for growth.

Travel companies, tourism boards, and tech startups can seize this opportunity by investing in AI solutions that prioritize accuracy, ease of use, and integration with official travel data. Educating consumers about AI’s capabilities and safe usage practices can also drive greater acceptance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while AI adoption for travel planning in the UAE is currently modest, the technology’s high satisfaction rates among users signal a promising future. By addressing concerns about accuracy and reliability, AI tools can transform how travelers plan their trips, making the process more efficient and enjoyable.

As AI continues to evolve, its integration into travel planning holds the potential to revolutionize the industry, benefiting both travelers and businesses alike.

Abu Dhabi has entered a significant preconstruction agreement aimed at bringing the world’s second Sphere entertainment venue to the UAE capital. The deal, finalized between Sphere Entertainment and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), covers franchise rights, joint development, and pre-opening services. This agreement formalizes the pathway toward constructing, operating, and managing the new venue in the city.

Under the terms of the agreement, DCT will pay a franchise initiation fee in exchange for exclusive rights to build and operate the Sphere venue in Abu Dhabi. The agreement also grants DCT the ability to develop additional Sphere venues across the Middle East and North Africa for at least ten years following the opening of Abu Dhabi’s Sphere. Sphere Entertainment will license its proprietary technology, patents, trademarks, and content—including “The Sphere Experience”—to facilitate the development and operation of these venues. Sphere will also provide pre-construction and construction-related services to ensure seamless implementation of the project.

A Landmark Venue with Strategic Reach

The planned Abu Dhabi Sphere is expected to mirror the scale and design of its Las Vegas counterpart, which seats approximately 20,000. This event hub is positioned to revolutionize the region’s entertainment landscape, offering immersive, high-tech live experiences for both residents and visitors. The project is aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, reinforcing the emirate’s ambitions to enhance its cultural and entertainment offerings and further establish itself as an international destination for innovation.

In addition to the franchise model, Sphere Entertainment stands to benefit from ongoing revenue streams through royalties tied to ticket and content sales, as well as fees for operational and advisory services. The initial agreement has a term of 25 years from the opening of the venue, with the possibility for DCT to renew for up to two additional ten-year periods.

Sphere Entertainment has also completed planning for smaller-scale Sphere venues, which may extend the immersive entertainment concept to other areas in the region. This strategic expansion model enables Sphere Entertainment to grow its footprint while leveraging its intellectual property and brand through licensed partnerships.

Overall, the preconstruction agreement marks a major step forward in bringing cutting-edge, immersive entertainment infrastructure to the region, and indicates a concerted push toward diversifying Abu Dhabi’s tourism and cultural assets.