Simon Howwels, GM at GCG Enterprise Solutions, discusses how a business’ internal operations must already be well organised to guarantee success using Enterprise Research Planning (ERP) and artificial intelligence within the current digital transformation era. The most costly realisation in digital transformation is often the one that comes too late: technology alone cannot fix an organisation operating on outdated workflows. Across the UAE, organisations are investing in ERP platforms, AI pilots, cloud migrations, and digital operations, yet many find that approvals still move through email chains, documents remain fragmented across systems, and compliance continues to depend on manual intervention. This is…
Author: Editorial Team
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping economies, industries, and everyday life at a pace few technologies have achieved before. It is accelerating medical research, improving access to education, strengthening logistics networks, helping cities predict infrastructure failures, and enabling industries to operate with greater precision and less waste. Across sectors, AI is increasingly viewed as a powerful tool capable of unlocking productivity, driving innovation, and improving quality of life on a large scale. Governments and businesses are investing heavily to capture these benefits, seeing AI as a catalyst for competitiveness, efficiency, and long-term growth. Yet behind this promise lies a more complex…
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Defense has completed preparations for the 2026 Hajj season through a comprehensive plan involving military, civilian, medical, and operational personnel in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites. The initiative supports security and government agencies in ensuring pilgrims’ safety and smooth movement during Hajj. Land troops will help regulate crowds and detect hazardous materials, while the air force will monitor airspace, manage air traffic, and conduct emergency surveillance. Naval forces will support security at seaports and the holy sites through explosive detection, drone operations, and search-and-rescue teams. The ministry’s health services have deployed medical missions across…
JEDDAH — Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah stated that the topics of this year’s Hajj symposium reflect the profound transformations witnessed by the Hajj system over the past five decades. “During this period, the Kingdom has established a pioneering global model in crowd management and humanitarian services founded on the integration of strategic planning, institutional development, and modern technologies,” he said while inaugurating the 50th Grand Hajj Symposium in Jeddah on Wednesday. The symposium, with the theme “An active platform serving the guests of God… Half a century of knowledge enrichment,” is organized by the Ministry…
For many families in the UAE, Eid Al Adha has long been associated with rich lamb dishes, large family feasts, and tables filled with traditional comfort food. But this year, as Eid approaches, some residents are putting a lighter, more health-conscious spin on their celebrations, balancing cultural traditions with changing lifestyle habits. Across homes in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, classic Eid spreads are increasingly being paired with grilled proteins, healthier sides, portion-conscious serving styles, and air-fried alternatives. “We still make lamb every Eid because it’s part of the tradition,” said Dubai resident Sarah Ahmed, who hosts family gatherings during the…
Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), one of the leading banks in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has signed a SAR 6.4 billion bilateral financing agreement with AlBawani, one of the companies in which the Public Investment Fund (PIF) ultimately holds a stake, and which stands among the major integrated national entities whose operations span across the sectors of construction, technology, utilities management, and infrastructure. The agreement reflects SAB’s continued role in enabling strategic infrastructure and development initiatives across the Kingdom, while further strengthening the bank’s diversified corporate portfolio. The partnership underscores the shared commitment of SAB and AlBawani to advancing Saudi…
Mansoor Meenai, GM and Head of META Region, Arcera. Mansoor Meenai, GM and Head of META Region at Arcera, shares insights on how local manufacturing, Emirati talent, and strategic partnerships are reshaping the UAE’s life sciences landscape and positioning the nation as a regional export hub. The UAE’s pharmaceutical sector is undergoing a decisive transformation, evolving from a market reliant on imports into an emerging hub for advanced manufacturing, research, and life sciences innovation. Backed by sovereign investment, strategic infrastructure, and globally aligned regulatory frameworks, the country is laying the groundwork for long-term healthcare resilience and export competitiveness. Arcera, the…
MAKKAH — The Hajj security forces arrested three Egyptian residents for violating Hajj regulations after they attempted to enter Makkah through unpaved roads and valleys without valid Hajj permits. Legal procedures have been initiated against them. The General Administration of Mujahideen urged everyone to comply with the instructions regulating the 2026 Hajj season and to cooperate with the relevant authorities to ensure the security and safety of pilgrims, stressing that violations will subject perpetrators to legal penalties. It called for the prompt reporting of violations by calling 911 in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province and…
MAKKAH — The Ministry of Commerce conducted 42,791 inspection and supply-monitoring tours of commercial establishments and retail outlets across Makkah and Madinah regions during the month of Dhul Qada. The inspections also covered the major transit routes leading to the Two Holy Mosques to ensure market readiness. The ministry stated that these tours are a core component of its proactive monitoring plan for the current Hajj season. The efforts aimed to ensure the ample availability of essential goods, provide viable consumer alternatives, and strengthen the readiness of local markets to meet the diverse needs of pilgrims. The monitoring campaigns targeted…
Swiss watchmaker Swatch and luxury partner Audemars Piguet are betting big on a Gen-Z “product drop” culture — buzzy, often limited launches that have helped spur sales from Labubu dolls and Nike trainers to Popeyes chicken. The maker of popular colourful watches has stirred debate — and seen some punches thrown — with a product launch of its Royal Pop pocket watch collection with Audemars Piguet, which forced it to close some stores and limit queues. In Milan shoppers outside a Swatch store ended up in a scuffle, to get their hands on the Pop Art style watches blending the…