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Uniphore recently hosted its inaugural AI Boardroom Discussion Series in Dubai, an exclusive event that brought together senior leaders from diverse industries to explore the transformative role of AI in business. Designed as a focused and collaborative forum, this by-invitation gathering was moderated by Mamoun Alamouri, Regional VP of Uniphore, and offered a unique platform for candid discussions about AI’s potential, challenges, and real-world applications.
What Is the Uniphore AI Boardroom Discussion Series?
Unlike traditional conferences or webinars, the AI Boardroom Discussion Series is an intimate gathering of forward-thinking leaders, typically comprising 5-6 participants. These sessions focus on exploring practical AI strategies and fostering collaborative learning across industries.
- Who Attends?Decision-makers and innovators from sectors like finance, technology, real estate, and legal, whether seasoned AI experts or just beginning their AI journeys.
- What's Discussed?Topics include data governance, responsible AI, high-impact use cases, and achieving rapid ROI.
- Why Attend?To gain actionable insights from peers navigating similar challenges in AI adoption and to share real-world experiences that inform business strategy.
The mission is clear: to equip enterprises with the knowledge and perspectives needed to leverage AI as a driver of meaningful transformation.
Highlights from the Dubai session
The inaugural AI Boardroom Discussion Series brought together an impressive roster of leaders, including representatives from First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates Islamic Bank, SAICO Insurance, and DLA Piper. Discussions revolved around practical advice, success stories, and the realities of implementing AI at scale.
Building realistic AI expectations
Hassan Alhassan, Head of AI at the National Bank of Fujairah, emphasized transparency in AI initiatives. “If you cannot explain your AI system, something is wrong,” he stated, underscoring the importance of clear communication and explainability to ensure trust and accountability within organizations.
Fostering a culture for AI adoption
Peter Larnholt, CIO at DU and Founder of Xcom.ai, stressed the need for cultural alignment in AI adoption. He highlighted the value of a “fail fast, learn faster” mindset, noting, “Culture is the main competitive advantage a company can have.” Successful adoption requires a willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt.
Strategic AI investments
Afroz Walile, VP of Strategy Transformation at First Abu Dhabi Bank, called for leadership to actively align AI investments with corporate objectives. “It’s not a choice anymore; it’s part of evolution,” she explained, urging enterprises to integrate AI into their long-term strategic goals.
Balancing training and transformation
Ezzeddine Jradi, CTO of EMICOOL LLC, highlighted the importance of skill development and employee buy-in for successful AI integration. Leaders, he noted, play a pivotal role in guiding teams through transformation with transparency and support.
Driving impactful use cases
Real-world examples showcased AI’s potential:
- Dinesh DuaChief Customer Experience Officer at Sobha Realty, shared how AI is reshaping customer engagement.
- Mirel BailaHead of Business Transformation at Emirates Islamic Bank, demonstrated how AI streamlines processes and empowers teams in the banking sector.
AI in the legal sector
Marieta Bencheva, Operational Excellence Lead at DLA Piper, explored AI’s impact in the legal industry. From improving compliance to optimizing workflows, AI is transforming even the most traditional sectors.
Looking ahead: The future of AI in business
The session concluded with reflections on AI’s broader implications. While optimism about AI’s transformative potential was shared, participants also addressed concerns about responsible adoption, governance, and ethical practices. Discussions explored whether AI’s future leans toward a utopian or dystopian vision, with leaders expressing cautious optimism. As one participant aptly noted, “Life will find a way.”
Why events like these matter
The Uniphore AI Boardroom Discussion Series is redefining how enterprises approach complex topics like AI. By creating a space for focused, peer-driven conversations, these events help leaders navigate the nuances of AI adoption, governance, and impact.
As the Middle East positions itself as a hub for AI innovation, think tanks like the AI Boardroom Discussion Series will play a crucial role in shaping how businesses responsibly and effectively integrate AI into their strategies.
The Dubai session set a strong foundation, underscoring the value of collaboration and shared insights as enterprises pioneer AI for the future.