Hello and welcome to the September issue of CEO Middle East.
This month we continue our lean on the technology ecosystem, featuring one such success story from the region on the cover. Abdallah Abu-Sheikh, founder of Astra Tech, a homegrown UAE company, has been at the forefront of the Middle East’s digital ecosystem, innovating new technology for and from the region.
In our conversation, Abu-Sheikh revealed his plans to dramatically expand Astra Tech’s reach into an ‘Ultra-app,’ in addition to his aspirations of becoming the WeChat of the Middle East. Given the fact that his firm recently hit 150 million users, this possibility seems on the horizon. I encourage you to turn to page 20 for the full story.
Next, we turn our mind to the heartbeat of the UAE economy. The world continues to face challenges – with China’s slowdown in particular being felt around the world – but here overall indicators appear positive.
On page 28, we embark on an exploration of the often overlooked yet immensely impactful role of warehousing in the UAE’s economy. Unveiling the intricate connections and the hidden influence of this sector, we shed light on a key player driving growth in the region.
Meanwhile, on page 30, our gaze widens to encompass the Gulf’s overall economic landscape. Our dedicated section provides a comprehensive overview, capturing the essence of the economic trends, opportunities, and challenges that shape the region. This is your window into the collective progress and potential of the Gulf nations.
While broad perspectives are essential, we also understand the power of zooming in to grasp the nuances of success stories. Hence, on page 32, we immerse ourselves in the dynamic realm of Saudi esports. Turki Alfawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, takes us through the economic dimensions of this burgeoning industry.
The intertwining of entertainment, technology, and entrepreneurship paints a vivid picture of the economic prowess that esports now wields.
On page 38, we delve into the remarkable rise of intelligent creativity and AI’s impact on the content industry. The fusion of human ingenuity and machine learning is reshaping how content is generated, consumed, and cherished. Join us as we uncover the ways in which AI is revolutionising the creative landscape, unlocking new possibilities that were once confined to the realm of imagination.
Finally, from page 46 we explore the world of network slicing and the evolving landscape of private 5G networks in the GCC. As industries embrace the transformative potential of 5G, the concept of network slicing emerges as a game-changer, enabling tailored connectivity solutions. Join us as we unpack the implications of this technology on industries, innovation, and the broader digital transformation journey of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
With that I’ll let you get to reading.
Until next time.