NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and IT services, has partnered with Cisco to release a new IDC InfoBrief titled Wired for Intelligence: A CIO Guide to Enterprise Networking for AI. This report offers strategic guidance for businesses in the Middle East and Africa aiming to adopt artificial intelligence through network modernization. (NTT DATA press release, August 27 2025)

The Role of Networking in AI Adoption

Artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, demands vast volumes of data to be transmitted quickly and securely. Traditional networks often fall short in terms of scalability and responsiveness. According to the IDC report, over 78 percent of enterprises consider advanced networking capabilities crucial when choosing providers for AI infrastructure. Modern, AI-ready networks must support features such as predictive maintenance, self-healing, anomaly detection, and secure edge-to-cloud connectivity. (NTT DATA press release)

Leadership Perspectives

• Hani Nofal, SVP of Technology Solutions at NTT DATA for the Middle East and Africa, emphasized the regional importance:
  “Across the Middle East, governments and enterprises are embracing AI to drive national visions and digital transformation agendas. But without modern, secure, and intelligent networks, these ambitions risk being constrained.” (TechAfrica News report)

• Dilip Kumar, Global Head of Technology Solutions at NTT DATA, added:
  “As two market leaders, NTT DATA and Cisco are well positioned to help clients modernize their digital infrastructure foundations for the AI era.” (NTT DATA press release)

• Brink Sanders, SVP of Global Networking Sales at Cisco, stated:
  “Our partnership with NTT DATA equips clients with the technology and expertise needed to build secure and connected networks.” (NTT DATA press release)

• Chris Barnard, VP of European Infrastructure at IDC, observed:
  “Your network will make or break your AI transformation. Overcoming the challenges of legacy networking technologies is essential.” (NTT DATA press release)

• TT 

Key Takeaways from the IDC InfoBrief

The InfoBrief offers a clear framework for achieving AI readiness through:

1. Assessing infrastructure readiness against AI workload demands

2. Integrating security and governance measures

3. Transforming networks into software‑defined, automated, cloud-connected systems

4. Utilizing analytics and machine learning within the network for optimization and cost efficiency

The report also provides benchmarking tools for organizations in the MEA region, enabling them to assess their infrastructure maturity relative to global standards.

A Decades-Long Partnership Accelerates Digital Transformation

NTT DATA and Cisco have collaborated for over thirty years on infrastructure projects worldwide. In June 2025, they launched AI‑powered Software‑Defined Infrastructure (SDI) services tailored for Cisco environments. These services deliver intelligent automation, real-time insights, infrastructure optimization, and cost efficiency. (NTT DATA press release June 10 2025)

NTT DATA’s Full-Service Modernization Offering

Under the network modernization initiative, NTT DATA provides:

• Strategic advisory services

• Technology sourcing for AI‑ready infrastructure

• Implementation via professional services

• Software-Defined Infrastructure and SASE deployment

• Managed network services across edge, cloud, and on‑prem environments

• Adoption support to ensure effective use of infrastructure investments

Why the Middle East and Africa Matter

Governments in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa are heavily investing in AI and smart infrastructure. However, IDC research indicates that network infrastructure often lags, creating bottlenecks in AI deployment (TechAfrica News report). Aligning with Global Trends

Globally, AI adoption is rapidly accelerating. A 2024 Deloitte global survey showed that while 65 percent of enterprises are piloting or implementing AI, over half face delays due to infrastructure limitations. Modern networks that support AI across cloud, edge, and on‑prem environments are becoming a crucial competitive advantage.

Conclusion

The NTT DATA and Cisco collaboration, exemplified by the IDC InfoBrief and intelligent infrastructure services, marks a significant milestone for AI transformation in the Middle East and Africa. By enabling modern, secure, and scalable networks, organizations in the region gain a vital foundation for delivering enterprise-grade AI capabilities positioning them for long-term innovation and progress.

Miva, a prominent e-commerce platform provider, has unveiled Vexture, a powerful AI-driven search technology designed to transform product discovery for online shoppers. By focusing on understanding customer intent rather than just keywords, Vexture aims to deliver more accurate, relevant, and personalized search results that significantly improve the shopping experience and increase conversion rates (PR Newswire, 2025).

Traditional e-commerce search engines rely heavily on keyword matching, which often leads to poor results when shoppers use vague descriptions, misspellings, or complex queries. Vexture addresses these challenges by leveraging advanced natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques to interpret the meaning behind shopper queries, enabling smarter and faster product discovery (PR Newswire, 2025).

Understanding Shopper Intent with AI

At its core, Vexture combines private AI embeddings generated from each merchant’s unique product catalog with contextual search data to analyze the true intent behind every search query. This hybrid approach allows Vexture to process a wide variety of inputs from short, specific phrases to long, conversational requests and return the most relevant products, even if the exact keywords don’t appear in the product listings (PR Newswire, 2025).

Vexture’s AI is also capable of handling common issues like typos, synonyms, and ambiguous language, ensuring that customers aren’t frustrated by zero-result searches or irrelevant product suggestions. This capability is particularly valuable for large stores with extensive catalogs, where traditional search methods can struggle to connect shoppers with the right items (PR Newswire, 2025).

Key Features of Vexture

• Intent-Based Search: Unlike conventional keyword matching, Vexture uses AI to understand the meaning behind search queries, improving accuracy and relevance.

• No-Code Customization: Integrated with Miva’s PageBuilder platform, merchants can create customized search result pages without coding skills, enabling more engaging and branded user experiences.

• Private and Secure: Vexture operates using local data within the merchant’s infrastructure, eliminating reliance on slower, third-party services that can compromise speed or security.

• Smart Tuning: The AI automatically classifies search queries into three types — Specific, Broad, and Sparse — and applies tailored logic for each, removing the need for manual ranking rules or complex weighting adjustments.

• Fast Deployment: Fully integrated into the Miva platform, Vexture can be enabled instantly in preview mode. Merchants can test and tune the search performance with real user data before launching live.

• Improved Conversion Rates: By reducing zero-result searches and enhancing product discovery, Vexture helps retailers boost customer satisfaction and sales.

How Vexture Enhances Ecommerce Discovery

Search functionality is a critical component of any online store, directly influencing how quickly and effectively customers find products. Poor search experiences can lead to lost sales and decreased customer loyalty. Vexture’s intent-based approach ensures that shoppers get relevant product suggestions that match their needs and preferences, even when their search terms are vague or imprecise.

The AI’s ability to handle complex queries and learn from real-time data helps merchants better understand customer behavior and adjust their offerings accordingly. This dynamic search system also provides valuable analytics, allowing sellers to identify trends and optimize their catalogs.

Seamless Integration with Miva’s Ecosystem

Vexture is designed to work seamlessly within Miva’s e-commerce platform, which is known for its flexibility and ease of use. Because it is built on top of the PageBuilder no-code platform, merchants don’t need advanced technical skills to customize the search experience or update search parameters. This democratization of AI-powered search allows businesses of all sizes to benefit from cutting-edge technology without large IT investments.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

As e-commerce competition intensifies globally, technologies like Vexture represent a significant step forward in providing personalized, intuitive shopping experiences. By understanding shopper intent and delivering accurate results, AI-powered search tools can reduce bounce rates, increase average order values, and foster customer loyalty.

Miva’s launch of Vexture aligns with broader industry trends where artificial intelligence is increasingly embedded into retail solutions to automate and enhance business operations. The company plans to continue expanding Vexture’s capabilities and integrating more AI features to stay ahead of evolving customer expectations.

About Miva

Founded over 20 years ago, Miva provides a flexible e-commerce platform designed to help retailers, wholesalers, and direct-to-consumer brands grow their online businesses. With a focus on usability, security, and performance, Miva empowers merchants to deliver engaging digital storefronts and increase revenue through advanced technology solutions.

Nvidia has taken a significant step forward in robotics technology with the unveiling of its newest computing platform, Jetson Thor. Designed to equip robots with highly advanced artificial intelligence capabilities, Jetson Thor aims to revolutionize how machines perceive their environment, make decisions, and operate autonomously in real-time.

Jetson Thor is powered by Nvidia’s latest Blackwell GPU architecture and comes equipped with an impressive 128 GB of RAM. This configuration delivers approximately 7.5 times the AI processing power compared to Nvidia’s previous Jetson Orin module. Complementing the GPU is a 14-core ARM CPU and 96 fifth-generation Tensor Cores, providing the computational strength needed to execute complex AI tasks such as computer vision, sensor fusion, and natural language processing efficiently (Computerworld).

The versatility of Jetson Thor allows it to be applied across a broad spectrum of robotics applications. From humanoid robots designed to perform intricate and delicate tasks to rugged industrial automation robots operating in manufacturing, mining, and logistics sectors, the platform supports environments requiring real-time processing and high adaptability. Nvidia’s vision centers on creating robots that are not only faster and more powerful but also smarter and capable of making complex decisions in dynamic and unpredictable settings (Computerworld).

Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s CEO, emphasized the critical role robotics will play in the company’s future. “Robotics represents one of the largest opportunities outside of AI,” Huang stated during the product launch event. The introduction of Jetson Thor solidifies Nvidia’s leadership in AI-driven robotics, positioning the company to expand its influence into industries that demand intelligent, autonomous machines (Computerworld).

One of the defining features of Jetson Thor is its ability to integrate multiple AI processing workloads and sensor data streams on a single platform. This integration simplifies the design and deployment of robots, reducing the need for numerous separate processing units. The result is lower power consumption and decreased latency, both crucial for applications where split-second decisions matter—such as autonomous navigation, real-time obstacle avoidance, and human-robot collaboration (Computerworld).

Industry analysts suggest that Nvidia’s Jetson Thor will accelerate the adoption of intelligent robots in sectors traditionally reliant on manual labor. By arming robots with sophisticated AI “brains,” companies can enhance workplace safety by delegating hazardous or repetitive tasks to machines. This also leads to improved operational efficiency and productivity. For example, in manufacturing environments, robots can quickly adapt to changes on the assembly line, performing quality checks and handling materials with precision. Similarly, in logistics, AI-enabled robots can optimize warehouse workflows and streamline last-mile delivery processes (Computerworld).

The launch of Jetson Thor also reflects a growing trend toward edge computing in robotics, where AI processing is performed directly on the robot rather than relying on cloud services. This approach enhances response times and data privacy, which is essential for sensitive applications such as healthcare robots, security patrols, and autonomous vehicles. Processing AI workloads locally ensures that robots can operate effectively even in environments with limited or no internet connectivity (Computerworld).

Looking ahead, Nvidia’s investment in platforms like Jetson Thor positions the company at the forefront of robotics innovation. The platform is expected to serve as the backbone for the next generation of intelligent machines capable of collaborating safely with humans, performing complex tasks autonomously, and transforming industries ranging from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and beyond.

In summary, Nvidia’s Jetson Thor represents a major breakthrough in robotic computing. By delivering unmatched AI processing power in a compact and energy-efficient package, Jetson Thor empowers robots to become smarter, faster, and more adaptable than ever before. As robotics continues to evolve rapidly, Nvidia’s new platform will be a crucial enabler of this transformation, paving the way for smarter factories, safer workplaces, and more efficient logistics worldwide.

A recent report from Adobe Digital Insights reveals a groundbreaking surge in e-commerce traffic driven by generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) platforms across the United States. By July 2025, Gen AI-based traffic increased by an astonishing 4,700% compared to the previous year. This rapid growth marks a critical turning point for online retailers, urging them to rethink and adapt their digital strategies to this emerging technology.

Explosive Growth in Gen AI Traffic

The rise in traffic originating from Gen AI sources has been exceptionally rapid. During the 2024 holiday season, from November 1 to December 31, Gen AI-driven traffic experienced a remarkable 1,300% year-over-year increase. Cyber Monday alone showed a staggering 1,950% surge, highlighting the growing influence of AI-assisted shopping during key retail events (Retail Brew).

In 2025, this upward trend accelerated further. January saw a 1,100% increase compared to January 2024. By April, the growth rate climbed to 3,100%, and in July, Gen AI-driven traffic hit the 4,700% mark. These numbers demonstrate that consumer adoption of AI tools for shopping purposes continues to expand rapidly. Retailers ignoring this trend risk falling behind in an increasingly competitive digital marketplace (Digital Commerce 360).

Shifts in Consumer Behavior

Gen AI visitors exhibit significantly different behavior on e-commerce websites compared to traditional visitors. Adobe’s data shows that users driven by AI spend 32% more time on sites. They view 10% more pages during their sessions. Bounce rates for this group are 27% lower, indicating higher engagement levels (Retail Brew, Digital Commerce 360).

Such statistics reveal that Gen AI users tend to be more intentional and research-focused shoppers. In a survey involving 5,000 consumers across the US, 85% stated that their shopping experience improved when using AI-powered tools. Additionally, 73% indicated that they rely on Gen AI platforms as their primary source for product research. A striking 83% prefer to use AI assistance when making larger or more complex purchase decisions.

Conversion Rates Improving Rapidly

Initially, Gen AI-driven traffic converted to sales at lower rates than other sources. January 2025 data revealed conversion rates were 49% lower for Gen AI users. However, this gap has been closing steadily. By April, the difference shrank to 38%, and by July 2025, it reduced further to 23%.

This shift suggests that Gen AI users are progressing along the purchase funnel more effectively. The improvement in conversion rates indicates growing consumer confidence in AI recommendations and an increasing willingness to finalize purchases through AI augmented shopping experiences.

Revenue Per Visit Shows Significant Growth

Revenue generated per visit from Gen AI traffic has also risen sharply. Between January and July 2025, average revenue per Gen AI visitor increased by 84%. While Gen AI-driven visits still generate slightly less revenue compared to visits from traditional sources, the difference has narrowed considerably.

In July 2025, revenue per Gen AI visit was only 27% lower than the average for all visitors. This represents a dramatic improvement compared to the same period last year when Gen AI visits produced 97% less revenue. The data highlights the growing commercial value of AI generated traffic and its increasing contribution to e-commerce revenue.

Mobile Devices Play a Growing Role

Mobile devices contribute an expanding share of Gen AI traffic. In January 2025, mobile accounted for 18% of all Gen AI-related visits. By July, this figure rose to 26%, underlining the importance of mobile platforms in AI-driven e-commerce.

This trend aligns with a broader shift toward mobile shopping. The convenience and immediacy of smartphones enable more spontaneous purchases. Retailers need to focus on optimizing mobile user experiences and integrating AI capabilities effectively on handheld devices to capitalize on this growing channel (Statista).

Conclusion

The explosive growth in Gen AI-driven e-commerce traffic represents a major transformation in online retail. Consumer behavior changes, improved conversion rates, and increasing revenue per visit show that AI is reshaping how customers shop. Mobile’s rising share within this traffic adds further complexity and opportunity.

Retailers must adapt digital marketing and website strategies to harness the potential of generative AI. Businesses ignoring these developments risk losing market share to competitors embracing AI technology. Adobe’s data serves as a wake-up call to e-commerce operators, signaling that AI-powered shopping is no longer a futuristic concept but a current market force.

In summary, Gen AI has driven an unprecedented surge in US e-commerce traffic. Retailers should invest in AI-driven tools, enhance mobile experiences, and analyze evolving consumer patterns to maintain competitiveness. The future of digital commerce hinges on how effectively businesses integrate generative AI into their customer engagement strategies.

Family offices in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are transforming, evolving from passive wealth guardians to influential players in global venture capital and innovation. Key data illustrate how strategy, technology, and generational shifts are reshaping this domain.

MENA Family Offices Dive into Venture Capital

• 58% of MENA family groups are active in venture capital, evenly split between early-stage (angel/seed) and growth-stage investments. This reflects a clear generational shift toward innovation-driven capital deployment.

• Nearly 70% of family offices have moved into second—or third-generation control, and 25% of single-family offices were founded in the past five years, signalling rapid professionalisation.

Direct Investment & Alternatives on the Rise

• A global trend: 64% of family offices expect to make six or more direct investments in the coming year, a 10% increase from the previous period.

• Globally, around 42% of family offices plan to increase exposure to private markets, with 40% identifying private equity as a central focus.

• The Middle East is particularly active in private markets: nearly 80% of regional investors plan to increase their private equity allocations, with almost half already allocating over 20% of assets under management (AUM) to private equity.

Family Office Ecosystem Expands in MENA

• Despite being nascent, the UAE’s family office sector is grounded in strong infrastructure: Tax incentives and regulatory hubs (DFSA, ADGM) are key attractors. Total AUM is forecast to grow 46% by 2025.

• Region-wide, single-family offices collectively manage ~US$4.67 trillion in assets, with over half under governance in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, making the region a significant asset pool.

• Technology is top of mind: 64% of family offices see AI/tech as a strong investment opportunity.

• Diversification behaviour: MENA family offices typically allocate ~18% of their portfolios to liquid assets—double that of their peers in North America and Europe—and around one-third to real estate.

Table: Key Facts

GCC family offices are evolving into strategically governed, tech-savvy, and globally oriented entities. Their capital power is no longer just about preservation; it’s about shaping innovation, diversifying assets, and redefining legacy.

This evolution is driven by a new generation of leaders who are more comfortable with risk, globally networked, and more motivated by impact. They are embedding governance structures, professional management, and trusted advisory systems to ensure continuity across generations. At the same time, they are expanding their reach beyond traditional safe assets into innovation ecosystems, from Silicon Valley to Singapore, while strengthening their presence in local startup hubs in Riyadh, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

The implications are profound. As family offices scale and cooperate, they will influence investment flows and shape the future of entrepreneurship in the GCC. Their capital is patient, their networks are global, and their ambitions increasingly align with national visions for diversification and innovation. In this sense, Gulf family offices are positioning themselves as strategic investors in the global economy, blending tradition with modernity, and financial returns with legacy-building.

Their continued success, however, will depend on discipline, humility, and the ability to surround themselves with the right expertise. Those that strike this balance will likely become cornerstones of the region’s venture capital ecosystem and decisive voices in global capital markets in the decade ahead.

In short, Gulf family offices are no longer just guardians of capital but are emerging as architects of innovation. With patient money, global reach, and a new appetite for risk, they are becoming decisive players in shaping the GCC’s entrepreneurial future and the world’s venture capital landscape. Their influence will only expand in the decade ahead, turning today’s private fortunes into tomorrow’s engines of global growth.

The integration of generative artificial intelligence into e-commerce is accelerating at a remarkable pace. In the United States alone, 59% of consumers now use generative AI during online shopping, according to a recent report by WebProNews. Tasks include researching products, comparing prices, and receiving personalized recommendations.

More than half of the respondents (52%) said they interact with generative AI at least once a month. Interestingly, 25% said they now prefer using AI tools like ChatGPT for product research rather than traditional search engines such as Google. This shift reflects a growing demand for fast, natural, and personalized interactions over generic search results.

The rising popularity of AI-driven tools is also reflected in e-commerce site traffic patterns. According to Digital Commerce 360, traffic to online retail platforms originating from generative AI sources grew by an astonishing 4,700% in July 2025. This surge suggests that more shoppers are relying on AI tools to initiate and influence their purchasing decisions.

Market research further supports this trend. A study from Precedence Research estimates that the generative AI in e-commerce market will grow from approximately $833 million in 2024 to over $3.5 billion by 2034. The projected compound annual growth rate is over 15%, indicating strong and sustained momentum.

Another analysis by MarketResearch.biz presents a slightly more conservative projection, estimating a market size of $2.36 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 14.9%. Despite differences in numbers, both reports agree on the steady expansion of AI’s role in e-commerce.

Younger consumers are driving much of this growth. Gen Z and millennials show the highest adoption rates, with some reports suggesting figures above 70%. These users turn to AI for personalized product suggestions, quick comparisons, and convenience in decision-making.

Still, not all consumers are fully confident. About 28% of survey participants expressed concerns about the accuracy of AI-generated results and how their personal data might be used. This highlights the need for better transparency and ethical standards in the deployment of these tools.

Retailers are responding by embedding AI technologies across multiple parts of their businesses. From dynamic pricing to demand forecasting, generative AI now plays a growing role in decision-making. Virtual try-on features and AI-generated product descriptions are also becoming more common.

According to a report from Addlly.ai, generative AI can significantly reduce return rates—by up to 60%—while increasing conversions by as much as 300%. Additionally, data from Pomegranate.co.uk suggests that customers using AI tools are more likely to complete purchases and engage with recommendations.

AI’s impact isn’t limited to customer-facing tools. Behind the scenes, it enables businesses to optimize inventory, streamline logistics, and generate automated marketing content such as emails and product listings. As outlined by Webocreation, these improvements lead to better efficiency, faster service, and improved customer satisfaction.

Despite these benefits, concerns about data privacy remain central. With generative AI relying heavily on user data, companies must ensure compliance with evolving regulations and maintain customer trust. Transparency around how data is collected, processed, and stored will be key to long-term success.

Another challenge is the technical barrier to adoption. Smaller retailers often lack the in-house expertise or resources to effectively implement AI systems. This creates a divide between large enterprises that can afford advanced tools and smaller businesses that risk being left behind.

Looking forward, generative AI is expected to drive further transformation in global retail. As the technology matures, it promises not only better personalization but also smarter inventory management, more engaging content, and scalable automation. Retailers that adopt AI responsibly and strategically will likely benefit from higher efficiency, customer retention, and sustainable growth.

The overall trend is clear: generative AI is no longer an optional innovation but a foundational technology shaping the future of e-commerce. With billions in potential value and rising consumer engagement, businesses are racing to integrate these tools while navigating ethical and regulatory concerns.

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.