AI - WORLDEF

Khalifa Fund Launches No-Code Artificial Intelligence Program

Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development has launched the second edition of its Prompt Engineering Program, enabling entrepreneurs to develop AI-powered business ideas without requiring coding experience. Designed for members of the Abu Dhabi Chamber in Al Ain, the program aims to equip entrepreneurs with practical digital skills at a time when artificial intelligence adoption is rapidly expanding across industries.

Prompt Engineering Takes Centre Stage in the Khalifa Fund Program

Under the program, participants receive training on understanding emerging artificial intelligence trends, creating effective prompts, and making use of AI-powered tools. Entrepreneurs can structure innovative business ideas using the Lean AI Canvas methodology.

Developed as an intensive and hands-on training initiative, the program supports participants in generating startup concepts, evaluating their commercial viability, and establishing AI-powered businesses. No prior coding or software development experience is required to participate. The training approach is built around the principle that “prompt engineering is the new coding.”

Business Ideas Will Be Transformed into Functional Prototypes

During the training process, participants will develop a functional project prototype. They will also prepare a go-to-market toolkit that can be used to introduce products or services to the market.

The process aims to accelerate product development and transform early-stage ideas into commercially viable ventures. No-code artificial intelligence tools provide e-commerce and retail entrepreneurs with new opportunities to test digital business models within a shorter period.

Digital Economy Support for E-Commerce Entrepreneurs

In addition to the Prompt Engineering Program, Khalifa Fund carries out various initiatives designed to support the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in the digital economy. Developed in collaboration with Amazon, the e-Empower training program provides businesses with tools and educational content to expand their customer base and improve online sales through Amazon.ae.

The organisation’s AI Mentor platform also offers digital advisory services to entrepreneurs during the business planning and funding application stages.

The UAE’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Will Be Strengthened

Through the new program, Khalifa Fund plans to prepare entrepreneurs for an AI-driven economy and support them in building competitive businesses amid rapid digital transformation.

The program also highlights the role of collaboration between national institutions in expanding AI adoption, encouraging innovation, and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the United Arab Emirates. The initiative is being implemented in line with the country’s goal of developing a globally competitive, knowledge-based economy supported by advanced technologies.

UAE and Google Launch Gemini AI Program

Samsung Accelerates Yongin Chip Fab Launch to 2029 as AI Demand Reshapes Semiconductor Investment

Samsung Electronics is bringing forward the launch of its first semiconductor fabrication facility in Yongin, South Korea, underscoring the growing urgency to expand production capacity as demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips continues to accelerate.

According to industry sources, the company now plans to begin operations at the plant in 2029-earlier than previously expected-as competition intensifies across the global semiconductor market. The move reflects Samsung’s broader strategy to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities while responding to rising customer demand for high-performance chips used in AI infrastructure, cloud computing and advanced data centers.

AI Boom Drives Manufacturing Expansion

The decision comes as AI applications fuel unprecedented investment in semiconductor production worldwide. Rapid adoption of generative AI, large language models and high-performance computing has significantly increased demand for advanced memory and logic chips, encouraging major manufacturers to expand fabrication capacity.

Samsung has been investing heavily in its semiconductor business despite cyclical weakness in parts of the memory market. By accelerating construction of the Yongin facility, the company aims to better position itself for the next wave of AI-driven growth while reinforcing South Korea’s role as one of the world’s leading semiconductor production hubs.

The Yongin semiconductor cluster is expected to become one of Samsung’s flagship manufacturing locations, supporting the production of next-generation chips for both domestic and international customers.

Global Competition Intensifies

Samsung’s accelerated timeline also reflects mounting competition among leading chipmakers seeking to capture growing opportunities in AI. Governments across Asia, Europe and North America have introduced incentives to strengthen domestic semiconductor production, while technology companies continue investing billions of dollars in AI infrastructure.

The race to secure advanced chip manufacturing capacity has become increasingly strategic as cloud providers, AI developers and enterprise customers expand investments in high-performance computing platforms.

Industry analysts expect semiconductor manufacturers capable of rapidly increasing advanced production capacity to benefit from sustained long-term demand driven by AI adoption across multiple industries.

Strategic Importance for South Korea

The Yongin semiconductor complex forms part of South Korea’s long-term strategy to maintain its global leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. The project is expected to support high-value investment, strengthen supply chain resilience and create new opportunities across the country’s technology ecosystem.

For Samsung, bringing the project forward represents more than a construction milestone. It signals confidence in the long-term outlook for AI-related semiconductor demand and highlights the company’s commitment to remaining competitive in an industry where production scale and technological leadership increasingly determine market position.

As AI adoption continues to accelerate globally, investments in advanced semiconductor manufacturing are expected to remain a defining trend shaping the future of the technology sector.

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Türkiye Introduces New Rules to Combat Misleading Advertising and Strengthen Consumer Protection

Türkiye has enacted comprehensive amendments to its advertising regulations, introducing stricter rules for digital advertising, influencer marketing, AI-generated content, and discount campaigns. The new framework aims to protect consumers from misleading advertising practices and increase transparency across digital commerce channels.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has announced a series of regulatory changes designed to address the growing influence of digital advertising and safeguard consumers against deceptive marketing practices. Published in the Official Gazette, the updated rules introduce new obligations for advertisers, social media creators, and online platforms operating in Türkiye.

New Standards for Targeted and Digital Advertising

Under the revised regulations, businesses using targeted advertising based on consumers’ online behavior and personal data must clearly explain why specific advertisements are being shown and provide accessible information on how these targeting criteria can be modified. The measures aim to increase transparency and give consumers greater control over personalized advertising experiences.

One of the most significant changes is a ban on targeted advertising directed at children through profiling methods that rely on personal data. The regulation seeks to provide stronger protection for minors in increasingly data-driven digital environments.

Influencers and AI-Generated Advertising Face New Disclosure Requirements

The new framework also tightens rules around social media marketing. Content creators who receive payments, free products, discounts, or other benefits in exchange for promoting products or services will now be required to clearly indicate that their posts constitute advertising or promotional content.

Additionally, the regulations address the growing use of artificial intelligence in advertising. Advertisers must clearly disclose AI-generated digital characters that cannot be easily distinguished from real individuals. The rules also prohibit the use of AI-generated personas that could create the false impression that a real person has used or endorsed a product.

Stricter Rules for Discount Campaigns and Consumer Reviews

The revised regulation extends discount advertising requirements to conditional sales campaigns, where discounts or benefits depend on fulfilling specific conditions. For discounted products, advertisers may only display as the pre-discount price the lowest price applied within the previous ten days before the campaign began. Exceptions apply to perishable goods and certain services.

The Ministry has also shortened the period granted to sellers and service providers to respond to consumer complaints before publication, reducing the timeframe from 72 hours to 48 hours. If no response is submitted within this period, consumer evaluations may be published directly.

The new regulations, which come into force on 1 August 2026, form part of Türkiye’s broader effort to strengthen oversight of digital commerce and advertising practices while improving consumer trust in online marketplaces and promotional content.

Flipkart Builds Proprietary E-Commerce LLMs as AI Generates Up to 40% of Its Code

Walmart-owned Flipkart is deepening its artificial intelligence strategy by developing specialised e-commerce large language models (LLMs), with AI now generating nearly 40% of the company’s software code. The move highlights the growing role of AI as a core operating layer in modern commerce platforms.

India’s e-commerce giant has deployed more than 250 AI models across its ecosystem, according to Chief Product and Technology Officer Balaji Thiagarajan. The company is integrating AI across customer experiences, seller services, engineering processes, and operational workflows, positioning itself at the forefront of AI-driven retail innovation.

Speaking to Moneycontrol, Thiagarajan revealed that approximately 35–40% of Flipkart’s software code is already being generated by AI-powered tools. The company is also building what it describes as an “agentic e-commerce platform,” combining frontier AI technologies with proprietary models tailored specifically for commerce use cases.

How Flipkart Is Applying AI Across Its E-Commerce Ecosystem

Flipkart believes its long-term competitive advantage will come from specialised e-commerce models trained on its own data and operational expertise rather than relying solely on general-purpose AI systems. The company is using AI to enhance product discovery, conversational shopping experiences, catalogue enrichment, seller tools, customer support, and internal productivity systems.

Among its AI-powered initiatives is Seller Lens, a platform that helps merchants manage and grow their businesses through AI-driven insights. Flipkart is also deploying voice-based AI agents that currently make around 90,000 personalised calls each month to sellers for payment reminders, operational updates, and business recommendations. The company expects these volumes to increase significantly in the future.

To accelerate its AI transformation, Flipkart has strengthened its leadership team by recruiting senior executives from companies including Amazon, Coupang, Tata Digital, Razorpay, Swiggy, and Mastercard. The hires span engineering, product, supply chain, and data science functions, reflecting the company’s ambition to scale AI capabilities across the organisation.

Despite the substantial investments required for generative AI, Flipkart says its current priority is governance rather than immediate financial returns. The company is focusing on areas such as content moderation, response quality, human oversight, and reinforcement learning while measuring success through business metrics including conversion rates, customer engagement, basket sizes, demand forecasting accuracy, and inventory performance.

Flipkart’s AI push comes amid intensifying competition across the global e-commerce sector, where retailers are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence to improve efficiency, personalise shopping experiences, and automate operations. The company’s strategy signals a broader industry shift toward specialised, domain-specific AI systems that can reshape how commerce platforms are built and operated in the years ahead.

Source: Moneycontrol

AWS Launches $1 Billion AI Engineering Unit to Accelerate Enterprise Adoption

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled a new $1 billion artificial intelligence initiative aimed at helping enterprises deploy AI solutions faster. Through a newly established Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) organization, AWS plans to embed thousands of AI engineers directly within customer organizations, signaling a major shift from cloud infrastructure provider to hands-on AI implementation partner.

Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing division of Amazon, has announced a $1 billion investment to establish its new Forward Deployed Engineering (FDE) organization. The initiative will place AWS engineers directly inside customer companies to co-develop and deploy artificial intelligence applications, with a particular focus on agentic AI systems capable of performing complex tasks with minimal human intervention.

The new organization is expected to comprise thousands of engineers who will work in small, embedded teams within client organizations for intensive engagements lasting around 45 days. Rather than acting as traditional consultants, these engineers will collaborate with internal development, business, and security teams to accelerate AI adoption and help organizations establish long-term AI capabilities.

AWS Expands Beyond Cloud Infrastructure with Embedded AI Engineering Teams

According to AWS, many enterprises continue to face challenges when moving AI projects from experimentation to production despite growing investment and interest in the technology. The company believes that embedding engineering teams directly within customer organizations will significantly shorten deployment timelines and help businesses build sustainable AI capabilities internally.

The initiative represents a notable evolution in AWS’s strategy. Historically known for providing cloud infrastructure and developer tools, the company is increasingly positioning itself as an implementation partner that helps enterprises turn AI ambitions into practical business outcomes. The move reflects the rapidly growing demand for hands-on support as organizations seek to integrate generative and agentic AI technologies into their operations.

Industry observers note that AWS is among the first major hyperscale cloud providers to launch a forward-deployed engineering organization at this scale. The initiative also places AWS alongside leading AI companies that have recently introduced similar deployment models, underscoring intensifying competition in enterprise artificial intelligence services.

Initial customers for the program reportedly include organizations such as the NBA, NFL, Ricoh, and Southwest Airlines. AWS expects the new engineering unit to help enterprises rapidly develop customized AI agents, modernize workflows, and become more self-sufficient in managing and scaling AI technologies.

The $1 billion investment highlights Amazon’s broader commitment to strengthening its position in the global enterprise AI market. As artificial intelligence adoption accelerates across industries, AWS is betting that close collaboration between embedded engineers and customer teams will become a key differentiator in helping organizations move from AI experimentation to real-world implementation.

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Australians Embrace AI Shopping Tools as 63% Show Positive Interest

Australian consumers are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their shopping experiences, but most remain hesitant to hand over the final purchasing decision to autonomous systems.

New research shows that while Australians are open to using AI-powered shopping assistants for product discovery, recommendations, and research, trust issues continue to limit the adoption of fully automated checkouts. The findings highlight a growing preference for AI as a shopping companion rather than a replacement for human decision-making.

AI Becomes a Shopping Assistant

Interest in agentic AI shopping tools is rising rapidly across Australia. Consumers are using generative AI platforms to compare products, discover brands, receive personalized recommendations, and simplify the research phase of online shopping. Studies indicate that nearly two-thirds of Australians are interested in trying AI-assisted shopping experiences, reflecting a significant shift in digital consumer behavior.

This trend aligns with broader changes in the retail industry, where AI-powered assistants are increasingly integrated into e-commerce platforms to help shoppers navigate growing product selections and information overload.

Checkout Remains a Human Decision

Despite their enthusiasm for AI-driven recommendations, Australian shoppers remain cautious about allowing AI to complete transactions independently. Research suggests that only a small minority of consumers are comfortable with fully autonomous purchasing.

Security concerns, payment transparency, and the desire to maintain control over spending decisions continue to influence consumer attitudes. Many shoppers view AI as a valuable adviser but believe that the final checkout process should remain firmly in human hands.

Trust Will Define the Future of Agentic Commerce

Consumer trust is emerging as one of the biggest challenges for retailers and technology providers developing agentic commerce solutions. Australians expect AI systems to be transparent about how recommendations are generated and how personal data is used.

Payment providers and established technology companies may have an advantage in this environment, as consumers often associate familiar brands with stronger security and accountability standards.

What It Means for Retailers

For e-commerce businesses, the message is clear: consumers are ready for AI-assisted shopping experiences but are not yet prepared to surrender purchasing control entirely.

Retailers should focus on deploying AI tools that improve product discovery, personalization, and customer support while keeping shoppers actively involved in purchase decisions. Brands that prioritize transparency, security, and human oversight are likely to gain a competitive advantage as agentic commerce continues to evolve.

As AI becomes a more prominent part of online retail, the next phase of e-commerce innovation may depend less on replacing shoppers and more on empowering them with intelligent tools that enhance confidence and convenience.

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UAE Joins Global AI Initiative with 35 Countries, Reinforcing Commitment to Responsible Innovation

Global delegates attend the Pax Silica Summit in Washington, focusing on secure AI supply chains and international cooperation.

Washington, D.C. – The United Arab Emirates has joined 35 other nations in signing the Joint Statement on AI Opportunities during the second Pax Silica Summit in Washington, D.C., further strengthening its position as a global advocate for responsible and secure artificial intelligence development.

UAE Strengthens Its Global AI Leadership Through International Collaboration

The summit brought together government leaders and major technology companies to discuss trusted AI supply chains, secure digital infrastructure, and international cooperation in advancing artificial intelligence. The UAE delegation was led by Saeed Al Hajeri, Minister of State, and included senior officials and representatives from some of the country’s leading technology organizations, including G42, Core42, MGX, and the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

By participating in the joint declaration, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to developing AI ecosystems that are secure, inclusive, and innovation-driven. The country’s involvement also highlights its growing role as a trusted global partner in shaping international AI governance and accelerating technological progress.

Building Trusted AI Infrastructure and Supply Chains

The Pax Silica Summit focused on strengthening collaboration among allied nations to build resilient AI supply chains covering critical areas such as semiconductors, computing infrastructure, energy, and advanced manufacturing. The initiative is increasingly seen as an important platform for fostering trusted partnerships and reducing vulnerabilities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

The UAE’s participation aligns with its broader national strategy to become a global hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. In recent years, the country has significantly increased investments in digital infrastructure, AI research, and international technology partnerships, positioning itself at the center of global conversations around the future of AI.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies and industries worldwide, the UAE’s engagement in initiatives such as Pax Silica demonstrates its intention not only to adopt emerging technologies but also to actively contribute to the development of responsible frameworks that guide their global implementation.

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Artificial Intelligence Determines the New Growth Route of E-Commerce in Europe

In Europe, e-commerce is once again becoming a key growth area for retail and consumer companies following the post-pandemic normalization process. According to McKinsey’s assessment, despite macroeconomic pressures and consumers spending more cautiously due to inflation, digital commerce continues to grow. It is stated that e-commerce in Europe is growing at an annual rate of 5% to 7%, and that this growth is largely supported by marketplaces.

The Impact of AI Is Increasing in E-Commerce Competition

McKinsey emphasizes that the factor distinguishing this new growth cycle from previous periods is not only demand, but also artificial intelligence-powered capabilities. While generative artificial intelligence transforms product discovery, content production, and customer interaction, analytics systems turn pricing, product variety, and delivery processes into continuously optimized structures.

Otto CEO Boris Ewenstein stated, “AI is the next paradigm shift in e-commerce. Just like the transition from catalogs to online, from online to mobile, and from mobile to platforms, AI will fundamentally change how customers shop and how we serve them.”

Agentic Commerce Is Changing the Shopping Journey

According to the news, agentic AI is redefining e-commerce competition with systems that search for products on behalf of consumers, evaluate options, and carry out multi-stage transactions. McKinsey research shows that 38% of consumers in Europe use generative AI tools for product and service research. In addition, it is projected that by 2030, between $3 trillion and $5 trillion in revenue in global B2C retail could be shaped through agentic commerce models.

Allegro CTPO David Roberts stated that traditional shopping, hyper-personalized recommendations, and the headless commerce model, in which AI assistants shop on behalf of users across platforms, will develop in the customer journey.

Retail, Media, and Omnichannel Are Converging

According to McKinsey, the boundaries between content, media, and purchasing processes are also disappearing. Short videos, live broadcasts, and content creators are no longer only traffic sources, but also function directly as digital stores. Pandora Senior Vice President of E-Commerce Jesper Damsgaard stated, “We want every online interaction to feel as carefully crafted and designed as our jewelry.”

It is also stated that AI-powered retail media networks have become an important area of profitability for companies. The news states that retail media margins can be up to 10 times higher than core retail margins.

Operational Efficiency Comes to the Fore with AI

McKinsey states that AI can reduce transaction time in customer service by 40% to 60%, that AI-powered pricing can increase gross margins by 2 to 5 points, and that it can reduce inventory costs in the supply chain by 10% to 20%. It is stated that in the new era of e-commerce, competitive advantage will strengthen among companies that position AI not only as a tool, but as the core structure of the commercial system.

New Return Requirement for Online Stores in Europe: One-Click Cancellation Era Begins

Use of AI and Premium Logistics in E-Commerce Is Rapidly Becoming Widespread in the UAE

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 51% of shoppers use AI-supported chat tools; 91% of businesses use AI on their e-commerce platforms; 84% expect to increase their use of AI; 84% prefer home delivery, while 73% prefer home collection for returns; 64% have a paid delivery/returns subscription; and 73% of businesses offer this subscription.

DHL eCommerce announced the key dynamics that will determine global e-commerce growth in 2026 and beyond. According to the data from the “E-Commerce Trends Report 2026”, which is based on a survey conducted with 29 thousand online shoppers and 5 thousand 800 e-commerce businesses in 29 countries, the future of online retail in rapidly digitalizing markets such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be shaped by artificial intelligence, flexible delivery options, sustainable logistics, secure payment experience and easy return processes.

DHL eCommerce’s 2026 E-Commerce Trends Report research revealed that the UAE e-commerce market is undergoing a rapid transformation with artificial intelligence, social commerce, marketplaces and premium logistics solutions. According to the research conducted with 29 thousand online shoppers and 5 thousand 800 e-commerce businesses, the UAE stands out as one of the most advanced markets in the adoption of AI-supported shopping tools.

AI Use in the UAE Is Becoming Central to E-Commerce

According to the report, 51% of online shoppers in the UAE use AI-supported chat tools while shopping. On the business side, the picture is stronger: 91% of e-commerce businesses in the UAE already use AI on their platforms. In addition, 84% of businesses expect AI use to increase further in the next 5 years.

According to DHL data, 52% of shoppers in the UAE expect to shop more through retailer websites in the next 5 years. 51% state that they will shop more on online marketplaces, 47% on mobile applications, and 37% through AI-supported chat or virtual assistants.

Delivery Preference in the UAE Remains Home-Oriented

The delivery experience plays a critical role in purchasing decisions in UAE e-commerce. According to the report, 84% of shoppers in the UAE prefer home delivery, while 73% prefer home collection for returns. However, out-of-home delivery options are also developing; 12% of shoppers use parcel lockers for delivery, while 23% use them for returns.

Premium logistics has also become mainstream in the UAE. In the UAE, 64% of shoppers have a paid delivery and returns subscription. While 73% of businesses already offer this service, 24% also plan to introduce this model.

Social Commerce Is Growing Increasingly in the UAE

On the business side, the data is as follows;

68% of UAE companies expect more customer activity through social media, 65% through applications, 64% through online marketplaces, and 59% through AI-supported chat or virtual assistants.
68% of shoppers in the UAE have made purchases through Facebook, 67% through Instagram, 57% through TikTok and 41% through YouTube.
82% of businesses have sold through Facebook, 75% through Instagram, 73% through TikTok and 52% through YouTube.
Amazon was identified as the most popular online marketplace for both shoppers and businesses in the UAE.

The UAE’s Strength Comes from a Digital Society and Strong Connections

DHL Express Middle East and North Africa CEO AbdulAziz Busbate stated that the UAE’s strength in the e-commerce market comes from high digitalization, strong global and regional connections, and a consumer base that rapidly adopts new online shopping habits. Busbate emphasized that digital platforms, flexible payment options and delivery expectations continue to shape the market, and stated that the growth foundation for businesses in the UAE is strong.

According to the report, the new competitive field of e-commerce in the UAE will not only be product price or campaign; it will be AI-supported customer experience, omnichannel sales, reliable delivery, easy returns and localized logistics solutions.

Customers Want AI and Human Support to Work Together

According to a report by AI-native customer support platform Kim.cc, customer expectations clearly reveal where artificial intelligence is useful in customer service and where human support remains indispensable.

Kim.cc published its “AI Customer Support Sentiment Report,” based on a survey conducted with 1,000 customers in the United States. One of the most striking findings of the study was that 35 percent of respondents said they immediately feel frustrated when they realize customer support is powered by AI. Despite this, customers are more open to the use of artificial intelligence for simple tasks such as order tracking, delivery updates, and frequently asked questions.

According to the report, 45 percent of respondents welcome AI support for simple customer service tasks such as checking order status, receiving package delivery information, learning store hours, reviewing return policies, and getting answers to basic FAQs.

Expectations for Human Support Are Increasing in Sensitive Matters

Customer expectations shift toward human support in more complex and sensitive processes. According to the research, 45 percent of respondents believe human involvement is necessary when fixing a broken device or software bug, 50 percent when processing a refund, billing dispute, or plan upgrade, and 60 percent when filing a complaint about a poor experience. In addition, 50 percent of respondents hold company leadership responsible for deploying an unready tool to cut costs when AI-powered customer service answers a query incorrectly.

Gen Z and Millennials Are Less Loyal to AI Support

Although Gallup data shows that Gen Z is the generation most open to using AI in daily life, Kim.cc’s research shows that only 16 percent of Gen Z do not mind seeing AI in customer service. Gen Z and Millennials stand out as the groups most likely to switch brands after a poor automated support experience. These generations are more than twice as likely as other generations to change brands. Among Baby Boomers and Gen X, more than 50 percent combined say they feel highly frustrated when dealing with AI customer support.

“Customers Want Automation When It Saves Time”

Sachin Jaiswal, Founder and CEO of Kim.cc, said: “Customers are not rejecting AI customer support; they are rejecting poor customer service experiences. That is why it is crucial for brands to have AI and humans working together. Customers want automation when it saves time, but they still expect access to a real person when the situation calls for it.” The research shows that, for retail and e-commerce brands, a hybrid customer service model is no longer merely an option but a natural outcome of customer expectations.