Problem: The Middle East is bracing itself for a rise in Artificial Intelligence across industries with market values forecast at US$320 billion by 2030. But there remains a need for regulatory framework to harness its full potential, alongside concerns of job loss and economic impact. Solution: The UAE is at the forefront of digital adoption and could serve as a regional role model. The country has a dedicated strategy in place that seeks to integrate artificial intelligence across...

Problem: With more than 300 million people suffering from genetic diseases around the world, raising awareness amongst policy makers and the public is vital to encouraging research and the development of life-changing treatments. Solution: The UAE has the necessary tools that can make the country a hub for medical innovation. From state-of-the-art infrastructure and business-friendly rules and regulations to world-class companies and highly skilled talent, specialists can interpret...

Problem: Fossil fuels are on the way out, and the region, as well as entrepreneurs, need to prepare for the final shift to a sustainable, net zero future. Solution: Investments by nations across the Middle East are laying the vital groundwork for the transition into a new energy economy that will lead the way for the rest of the world. Panelists: Scott Armstrong, Editor in Chief at Arabian Business; Rhea Singhal, Founder & CEO of Ecoware; Karl Feilder, Chairman & CEO of Neutral...

Problem: With autonomous vehicles, electronic scooters, and on-demand automobiles, we’re on the cusp of a new era in mobility, but are we ready for the changes new transportation will bring? Solution: Infrastructure upgrades and new perceptions on what transportation includes could usher in an unprecedented revolution in mobility as well as support more ecological and sustainable options for the wider public.

Problem: As pharma giants like Pfizer and Moderna deliver the first rounds of COVID-19 vaccines developed in less than a year, what will be next for Big Pharma in 2021 and beyond? Solution: The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines around the world is a glimpse into how Big Pharma will incorporate digital and emerging tech to advance research and development over the next decade.

Problem: Saudi Arabia is home to a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem with local and international investors keen on seeing what KSA start-ups have to offer. How has the kingdom managed to create such a flourishing start-up scene?

The COVID-19 massively disrupted hiring and employment across the globe with rounds of redundancies, WFH, workforce restructuring, and more. With economies going through more waves of infection and struggling to reopen fully, will 2021 bring change or more upheaval for employers and employees?

Problem: Normally, the economy runs in cycles, but the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. How can we restart and maintain a working economy as the pandemic continues to affect countries around the world? Solution: The pandemic presents an unprecedented opportunity to “reset” almost everything, including the economy, and strategically restructure it to become more resilient and agile when faced with future disruptions.

Problem: Advanced technologies, including robotics and automation, are capable of performing increasingly complex tasks. With this technology available to almost every business, are we prepared for the coming industry 4.0 revolution? Solution: Industry 4.0 will transform our current understanding of business and commerce. The technology has the potential to change the way we live and work, and with the correct implementation, Industry 4.0 will completely change the world for the better.

Problem: With patients still hesitant to visit healthcare providers, will dentistry as we know it disappear? Solution: Forward-thinking dental clinics have the opportunity to become leaders in the market by leaning into tech, like tele dentistry, and adapting a more agile approach to practice. Panelists: Dr. Maged el-Malecki at Boston Dental, Dr. Mohammed Naji at Liberty Dental Clinic, Dr. Layal Ksaybi at Micris Dental Clinic, and moderator Shruthi Nair.

Problem: Tourism, travel, lodging, recreational activities and F&B have reopened for business, but how can businesses balance safety with building a competitive advantage that sees profits return? Solution: A strategized roadmap to recovery must include incentives and simultaneously boost visitor confidence by instituting the strictest hygiene and safety protocols.

Problem: With social distancing and the possibility of future lockdowns, can Fintech be the solution businesses need to recover? Solution: Fintech could be a lifeline for companies that have to adjust rapidly to our new contactless reality. Panelists: Mo Aideed, Commercial VP at Postpay; Abdulaziz Saja, KSA General Manager at Tabby; and Ammar Afif, Founder of Cashew, with moderator Shruthi Nair.

Problem: How can companies address the additional cybersecurity and connectivity issues that come with remote working? Solution: Businesses have to take an active role in understanding, identifying, and protecting their organization and see security as a business enabler. Panelists: Mossab Hussein, CSO & Co-founder of SpiderSilk; Dr. Aleksandar Valjarevic, VP Business Development at Help AG; and Tarek Kuzbari, Regional Director for the Middle East and Turkey at Cybereason, with...

Problem: Conventional classrooms as we knew them might be gone for the foreseeable future. How will educators, students, and parents adapt, and is edtech the future for schools? Solution: The education sector may be facing a significant transformation with edtech and distance learning playing a major role.

Problem: E-commerce has surged while brick-and-mortar retail operations have seen a drastic decrease in sales and a slow recovery. What can retailers do to ease the pain? Solution: Brands will have to develop a strong brand purpose and online presence to reconnect with consumers. Panelists: Heba AL Fazari, Founder & CEO of COVETI; Izabella Naessa, Head of Commercial Strategy & Digital Transformation Expert at GetBEE; Kristof Lukovich, Head of Digital, Beauty at Chalhoub Group, with...

Problem: Food aggregators have changed the way F&B operates and delivers. Where do we go from here? Solution: F&B was one sector that quickly pivoted, adapting food mobility to address consumer behavior changes. The quick shift could mean it will be one of the first to recover. Panelists: Nader Amiri, Founder of el Grocer; and Benjamin Mouflard, Co-Founder of ChatFood, with moderator Shruthi Nair.

Problem: UAE startups used to account for 94% of the country’s operating companies, creating 90% of new jobs. What is the post-pandemic plan for these economic drivers? Solution: The economy needs thriving startups now more than ever, which means clearing the way for launch with streamlined regulations, access to investors, and governmental support.

Problem: COVID-19 has forced healthcare into a virtual transition, but are these changes here to stay? Solution: Our future healthcare may be digitized and AI-enabled, but we aren’t done with the challenges we’ll face as the medical sector finally embraces tech. Panelists: Ayman Sharaiha, CoFounder & Chief Operating Officer of Altibbi; Dr. Baher Al Hakim, CEO of Medicus AI; and Fadi Hindi, Founder of Algofy.ai, with moderator Shruthi Nair.