IEEE GCAIoT

Panel Discussions

Panel Discussion

MENA’s IoT & AI Frontier: Key Trends Transforming Industry and Society

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stands at the forefront of digital transformation, with the Internet of Things (IoT) & Artificial Intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role in revolutionizing both industry and society. This panel will explore the key trends shaping MENA’s IoT & AI landscape, including the integration of IoT & AI in sectors such as energy, smart cities, healthcare, and agriculture. Panelists will discuss the region’s unique opportunities, such as its strategic geographic location, governmental support for digitalization, and rapid urbanization, which are driving IoT & AI adoption. Additionally, the discussion will address critical challenges, including infrastructure development, data security, and regulatory hurdles, as well as the role of partnerships between public and private sectors in fostering innovation. The session will highlight how IoT & AI is not only transforming industries but also addressing societal needs by enhancing quality of life, promoting sustainability, and fostering economic growth in the MENA region.

Husameldin

Dr. Husameldin Mukhtar
Director of Research | Associate Professor, College of Engineering & IT, University of Dubai, UAE

1685397770332

Dr. Abdulhadi AbouAlmal
Founder & CEO, MEA-Comm, UAE | Head of “Industry 4.0 and Future Connectivity” HUB, UAE | Adjunct Professor, Dubai University, UAE | Chairman and Vice-Chairman, ITU-T and Arab Expert Group on IoT & Smart Cities

Ahmed-White BG

Mr. Ahmed Farouk
Group CEO, World Business Network, UAE

Dr. Issam Maaz

Dr. Issam Maaz
Head of Advanced Research for Middle East, Keysight Technologies, UAE

Dr. Wathiq Mansoor

Dr. Wathiq Mansoor
Professor, University of Dubai, UAE

Panel Discussion

Pioneering the Next-Gen Intelligence: Augmented AI, Metaverse, and Beyond

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Augmented AI and the Metaverse represent two of the most transformative innovations shaping the future of technology, business, and human experience. Augmented AI, which enhances rather than replaces human capabilities, is revolutionizing industries—from healthcare and finance to creative arts and manufacturing—by driving smarter decisions, increasing efficiency, and enabling new levels of personalization. Simultaneously, the Metaverse is redefining the way we interact in virtual worlds, creating immersive digital environments that blend the physical and digital, unlocking new realms of social connection, commerce, and entertainment. This panel will bring together thought leaders and pioneers who are at the forefront of these cutting-edge developments. Together, we will explore how Augmented AI is powering more intelligent, intuitive systems and how the Metaverse is transforming not only how we engage with technology but how we interact with each other and our environments. We’ll dive into key questions such as: What are the most exciting innovations at the intersection of AI and the Metaverse? How are these technologies converging to shape the future of digital experience? What ethical and practical challenges must we overcome to fully unlock their potential? Join us for a forward-looking discussion as we navigate the opportunities and challenges of Next-Gen Intelligence and examine how Augmented AI and the Metaverse will reshape the future of work, creativity, and human interaction in the digital age.

download-2

Dr. Boutheina Tlili
Professor of Electrical Engineering, RIT Dubai | Women in Engineering Liaison for IEEE TEMS, UAE

Dr Yousra Chtouki

Dr. Yousra Chtouki
Speaker, an Author and a Professor at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morrocco

Dr Jinane Biri_

Dr. Jinane Biri
Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and ECE Department Chair at RIT Dubai | Head of Research and Education for Women in AI (WAI), UAE section, UAE

Dr Hoda alkhzaimi

Dr. Hoda Alkhzaimi
Associate Vice Provost of Research Translation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, NYUAD, UAE

Noora Nasser_

Ms. Noora Nasser
Manager – ICT Project Management, du

Latifa Saleh Alshehhi_

Ms. Latifa Saleh Alshehhi
Director of Investment Data, Ministry of Investment, UAE

Panel Discussion

Transforming Economies: DeepTech Investments as a Pathway to MENA Innovation

As the region seeks to reduce reliance on traditional industries, investment in pioneering technologies—such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, advanced materials, and biotechnology—offers a strategic pathway to foster sustainable growth and global competitiveness. This panel discusses this aspect by bringing experts in venture capital, technology policy, and industry innovation to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges for DeepTech in MENA, highlighting how targeted investments and supportive ecosystems can drive technological breakthroughs, cultivate talent, and catalyze a knowledge-based economy. This session aims to provide insights into building robust innovation frameworks to position MENA as a global hub for DeepTech advancements.

Eng. Ahmed Sedky

Eng. Ahmed Sedky
Managing Partner, Significa Ventures, UAE