NEWS
Regulatory uncertainty , skilled talent , data challenges inhibiting AI growth finds IDC , AWS
Amazon Web Services in collaboration with International Data Corporation , IDC released a new whitepaper which reveals that early Artificial Intelligence adoption is already transforming private- and publicsector organisations in the UAE . However , there is a risk of creating a digital divide between those who embrace the technology and those who fall behind .
AWS and IDC whitepaper states embracing AI early is driving innovation and growth , but companies still in the planning stages of AI adoption show considerably weaker results .
Yasser Hassan
“ This whitepaper underscores AI ’ s transformative potential in the UAE , aligning with the nation ’ s We the UAE 2031 vision ,” said Yasser Hassan , Managing Director , MENAT , AWS . “ Early adoption is key , with AI-invested UAE organisations already experiencing improved business performance .”
The whitepaper , which was commissioned by Amazon Web Services , AWS , surveyed 166 organisations in Saudi Arabia and the UAE , focusing on key industries including government , finance , hospitality , and retail . It found that while only 28 % of organisations have already started experimenting with AI , 88 % of those early adopters report improved business performance .
To maintain accelerated AI adoption across the region , the whitepaper outlines several challenges which need to be overcome , including regulatory uncertainty , availability of skilled talent , and data-related challenges . The whitepaper found that 58 % of UAE organisations expressed concerns about unclear privacy and security regulations , underscoring the need for a balanced regulatory approach that fosters both growth and responsible AI development .
It emphasizes the importance of collaboration between government , technology providers and businesses to create a regulatory environment that fosters both growth and responsible AI practices .
The whitepaper also found that the majority of respondents highlighted that it was critical to overcome data-related challenges to accelerate AI adoption . The top datarelated challenges cited were data security , a shortage of skilled resources for data management , and inefficient data architecture .
Majid Al Futtaim sets up Precision Media that leverages AI for advanced targeting , real-time analytics
Majid Al Futtaim , a shopping mall , communities , retail , and leisure pioneer across the Middle East , Africa , and Asia , announced the launch of Precision Media , a groundbreaking new
digital business offering that leverages AI-powered technology to revolutionise the way brands engage with customers . The innovative Precision Media business offers a full suite of retail media solutions , including in-store touchpoints across the Group ’ s 450 Carrefour and retail grocery stores in 13 different countries around the region : in addition to its numerous , well-established eCommerce assets . Precision Media also offers partner brands offsite advertising solutions , enabling engagement with Majid Al Futtaim consumers on partner networks , outside of the Group ’ s ecosystem .
The platform ’ s AI-powered features allow businesses to fine-tune their marketing strategies in real time , ensuring they achieve their objectives with greater precision , such as the AI-powered LED smart screens strategically placed in select UAE Carrefour stores . These screens use consumer demographic data to deliver personalised ads as consumers shop , providing a unique opportunity for partner brands to tap into a vast , engaged audience , and offering brands the chance to create tailored customer connections to support long-term growth .
More than 150 brands and advertising agencies are already benefitting from access to Precision Media , leveraging Majid Al Futtaim ’ s extensive network to drive tailored outreach to millions of potential consumers , including the 600 million annual visitors to its physical assets , 270 million online sessions , and the 20.5 million members subscribed to both Majid Al Futtaim ’ s SHARE loyalty programme and MyClub platform .
Ahmed Galal Ismail , Chief Executive Officer , Majid Al Futtaim Holding , commented , “ Precision Media ’ s integration of realtime targeting with the vast data resources of Majid Al Futtaim ’ s ecosystem , enables brands and media agencies to optimise their campaigns for maximum impact .”
Ahmed Galal Ismail
www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO MIDDLE EAST 9