Event News

Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has taken a proactive stance, launching a series of strategic initiatives designed to integrate AI into the fabric of youth-led entrepreneurship.

The fundamental problem facing today’s youth is the widening gap between creative potential and the technical infrastructure required to scale a business.

While the desire to innovate is high, many young professionals lack the institutional support to navigate the intricacies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Without structured mentorship and access to advanced digital toolkits, even the most promising ideas risk remaining theoretical, failing to translate into viable, production-ready ventures that can compete in an increasingly crowded international market.

To bridge this divide, the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has taken a proactive stance, launching a series of strategic initiatives designed to integrate AI into the fabric of youth-led entrepreneurship. Recognising that future competitiveness relies on technological fluency, the Chamber is focusing on equipping young Emiratis with the skills necessary to harness AI across various economic sectors. By transforming creative concepts into sustainable, high-value production projects, the SCCI is effectively aligning youth development with the broader objectives of the UAE’s National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology.

The approach taken by the Chamber goes beyond basic training. It involves creating a robust ecosystem where academic knowledge meets market reality. This is achieved through forums and workshops that demystify AI applications in fields ranging from manufacturing to jewellery design, demonstrating how automation and data-driven insights can significantly enhance product quality and market reach. By fostering these public-private partnerships, the organisation is ensuring that the local startup scene is not only innovative but also resilient enough to withstand the volatile nature of the digital economy.

The leadership at the Sharjah Chamber has been vocal about the necessity of this shift. Emphasising the importance of connecting creativity with production capabilities, Aisha Saleh, Chair of the Sharjah Chamber Youth Council, noted that the Chamber is working through its youth initiatives to "convert innovative ideas into practical, production-driven outcomes that contribute to the national economy."

Furthermore, the Chamber’s ongoing collaboration with educational institutions and government bodies ensures that young entrepreneurs receive holistic support. This includes providing incubation programmes, digital marketing expertise, and guidance on business continuity strategies. By normalising the use of AI in daily operations, the SCCI is helping to cultivate a generation of "future makers" who are prepared to lead the UAE’s transition into a global hub for advanced technology.

Ultimately, the goal is to build a foundation where innovation is the standard rather than the exception. As the Sharjah Chamber continues to scale these initiatives, the emphasis remains on sustainability and long-term economic growth. By providing the tools, the network, and the strategic foresight, the organisation is empowering youth to not only participate in the digital economy but to define its trajectory for decades to come. Through this integrated approach, Sharjah is positioning itself as a vital engine for talent and technological advancement in the Middle East.

The camp gives participants access to the latest AI applications and best practices in an environment that combines hands-on learning with practical experience.

The rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence is fundamentally altering the global economic landscape.

As industries from healthcare to finance undergo a digital metamorphosis, organisations are finding themselves in an increasingly competitive race to harness the power of automation and machine learning. However, this transition is not without its hurdles. The primary challenge currently facing the business community is not the availability of AI technology itself, but the widening chasm between available tools and the human capital required to deploy them effectively.

Industry analysts observe that while innovation is moving at an exponential pace, workforce readiness is struggling to keep step. For many enterprises, the barrier to entry remains complex: how does one integrate sophisticated AI models into legacy systems while ensuring ethical governance and operational security? This "implementation gap" has become a central focus for policymakers and educators worldwide. As the global economy pivots towards an intelligence-led future, the necessity for robust, accessible training programmes has never been more urgent. Universities and private training providers are now tasked with the responsibility of creating lifelong learning ecosystems, ensuring that the workforce is not merely technologically literate, but capable of orchestrating human-centric AI solutions that drive sustainable growth.

A Strategic Response to Technological Evolution

Within the United Arab Emirates, the commitment to leading this digital shift is underscored by a national focus on future-ready governance and capacity building. As organisations seek to transition from experimental AI pilots to scalable, agentic models—which promise to automate complex tasks and streamline decision-making—there is a palpable need for collaborative frameworks that foster practical, hands-on experience.

It is within this landscape of rapid transformation that the UAE AI Camp 2026 has been established. Serving as a crucial bridge between theoretical innovation and commercial application, the initiative aims to provide the foundational support required for institutions and professionals to navigate the complexities of modern automation. By fostering an environment where technical expertise and business strategy intersect, the camp is designed to empower participants to build internal implementation units that can drive long-term digital maturity.

Empowering Growth Through the UAE AI Camp 2026

The UAE AI Camp 2026 has officially opened its doors, introducing a sophisticated suite of new workshops and global partnerships designed to accelerate the region’s AI adoption. By facilitating collaboration between international tech experts and local organisations, the camp provides a structured pathway for developers, project managers, and business leaders to refine their approach to AI integration.

The programme’s curriculum emphasises the importance of "human-in-the-loop" systems, ensuring that participants learn how to implement AI whilst maintaining essential oversight and governance. Through a series of intensive sessions, attendees gain actionable insights into creating measurable business cases, effectively managing risk, and optimising operational workflows. With the addition of new global partnerships, the 2026 edition of the camp offers unprecedented access to cutting-edge research and best-practice frameworks from leading international technology providers. This initiative represents a cornerstone of the UAE’s strategic vision, ensuring that its workforce is equipped to lead in an era defined by artificial intelligence and digital resilience. By converting these insights into practical deliverables, the UAE AI Camp 2026 is positioning the nation at the forefront of the global AI economy.

The symposium brought together a distinguished group of experts, senior executives, and decision-makers from both the energy and financial sectors.

The Sultanate of Oman is navigating a profound economic transformation, underpinned by an ambitious drive to diversify its national revenue streams and redefine its role within the global energy landscape.

For decades, traditional hydrocarbon resources have been the absolute bedrock of the nation's prosperity. However, as international markets increasingly pivot towards sustainable alternatives, Oman is strategically positioning itself to capitalise on this global shift. The nation's overarching blueprint, Oman Vision 2040, lays out a comprehensive framework for sustainable economic development, placing a heavy emphasis on reducing reliance on oil while concurrently fostering growth in emerging sectors. This transition is a crucial economic strategy designed to safeguard long-term prosperity, ensure energy security, and enhance the country's competitiveness on the world stage. Consequently, the energy sector, acting as a critical pillar of the Omani economy, is undergoing a period of rapid and unprecedented evolution across the wider Gulf region.

Navigating the Transition and Capital Requirements

Despite this clear strategic direction, the journey towards a diversified and future-ready energy ecosystem is fraught with complex challenges. Accelerating the energy transition requires more than just ambitious targets; it demands robust policy frameworks, technological innovation, and, most crucially, massive capital deployment. Transitioning from a legacy infrastructure reliant on fossil fuels to a dynamic matrix incorporating renewables, natural gas, and green hydrogen involves overcoming significant logistical and financial hurdles. The sheer scale of the required energy infrastructure upgrades is daunting. Furthermore, the global competition for green investment is fierce. To attract the necessary domestic and foreign direct investment, the region must present an attractive, stable, and forward-looking environment. Addressing these multifaceted challenges is vital, as any delay in mobilising resources could hinder the pace of GDP growth and stall the broader economic diversification agenda.

The Convergence of Finance and Energy

Addressing these formidable challenges necessitates a fundamental shift in how large-scale projects are conceptualised and funded. The solution lies in the strategic convergence of the financial services sector and the energy industry. Historically, these two spheres may have operated with a degree of separation, but the demands of the modern energy transition dictate a symbiotic relationship. Financial institutions must step beyond their traditional roles as mere lenders to become proactive partners and strategic advisors. By fostering deep collaboration, the banking sector can help unlock the massive tranches of investment required to drive innovation and support sustainable development. This collaborative model empowers energy companies to scale up operations, explore untapped markets, and build the resilient infrastructure needed for the future. It is the active participation of the private sector that will translate national economic visions into tangible realities.

Sohar International and OPAL's Strategic Symposium 

In direct response to this critical market need, Sohar International has taken a decisive step to facilitate this vital convergence. Reaffirming its commitment to enabling sustainable economic growth, the institution recently hosted a high-level joint symposium titled 'Oman's Energy Sector in a Reshaped Gulf: Driving Economic Growth, Investment, and Global Competitiveness.' Organised in strategic collaboration with the Oman Energy Association (OPAL), the event successfully convened a distinguished group of industry experts, senior executives, and key decision-makers from both the energy and financial sectors.

The symposium provided a vital platform to explore the rapid evolution of the energy sector, focusing on unlocking promising investment opportunities. Participants rigorously examined emerging avenues for capital deployment across renewables, gas, hydrogen, and wider energy infrastructure.

Speaking on the bank’s proactive approach, Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer, Sohar International, stated: “At Sohar International, we see our role extending beyond banking. We are committed to being an enabler of growth in strategic sectors. The energy sector is central to Oman's future, and through platforms like this symposium, we aim to drive dialogue, mobilise investment, and forge the partnerships needed to position Oman as a globally competitive energy hub.”

Eng. Mohammed Hamood Al Naabi, Chief Executive Officer, Oman Energy Association (OPAL), noted: “The partnership with Sohar International reflects our shared commitment to advancing Oman's energy sector. OPAL believes that strong collaboration between industry and finance is essential to unlock investment, drive innovation, and ensure the sector continues to support Oman's economic diversification and the goals of Vision 2040.”

Through financing projects that champion energy security and diversification, Sohar International continues to cultivate a resilient ecosystem for Oman.

Jeddah Dome prepares to officially host the highly anticipated fifth edition of the Saudi Real Estate Development and Ownership Exhibition (SEREDO).

The vibrant coastal city of Jeddah is gearing up for a major milestone in the Kingdom's booming property sector, as the spacious Jeddah Dome prepares to officially host the highly anticipated fifth edition of the Saudi Real Estate Development and Ownership Exhibition (SEREDO).

Scheduled to run from September 6th to 8th, 2026, this prominent three-day event is set to convene a highly diverse assembly of premier real estate developers, institutional investors, financial institutions, financing organisations, government entities, and seasoned industry professionals hailing from all across Saudi Arabia as well as key international markets.

Held under the esteemed and continuous sponsorship of the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, SEREDO 2026 aims to shine a comprehensive spotlight on a wide array of cutting-edge residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. By providing a dedicated physical platform for all relevant stakeholders to explore lucrative investment opportunities and forge strategic business partnerships, the exhibition aligns closely with the ambitious socio-economic objectives outlined in Saudi Vision 2030. Key organisers emphasise that the event will act as a powerful catalyst for strengthening collaborative frameworks between public and private sector participants, ultimately facilitating vital investment partnerships and supporting national homeownership initiatives by directly connecting developers, prospective buyers, and financing providers under one roof.

Beyond the expansive exhibition floor, which will showcase impressive property portfolios and innovative structural designs, SEREDO 2026 features a comprehensive, multi-day programme of engaging panel discussions and specialised workshops. These interactive sessions are meticulously curated to cover critical industry themes, including sustainable urban development, eco-friendly construction practices, modern property investment strategies, innovative financing solutions, and the transformative digital technologies that are rapidly shaping the future of the real estate landscape across the wider region.

Leadership figures behind the exhibition have repeatedly underscored its growing strategic importance within the regional market. Princess Deena bint Saud bin Abdulaziz, Chair of the Board of Directors of SEREDO 2026, acknowledged the vital support and official sponsorship provided by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing. She noted that this year’s upcoming edition continues the exhibition’s proud tradition of serving as an essential platform for cross-sector collaboration while vividly reflecting the sustained economic growth and maturity of Saudi Arabia's dynamic real estate ecosystem.

Echoing these supportive sentiments, Abdul Rahman Al-Zahrani, Executive Director of SEREDO 2026, highlighted that the exhibition will present an invaluable opportunity for developers, investors, and government representatives to explore emerging growth avenues and deepen professional cooperation across the entire sector. He noted that the high-profile gathering serves as a vital meeting point designed to bridge the operational gap between regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and commercial developers seeking long-term market prosperity.

Key national entities are also slated to play pivotal roles during the upcoming three-day event. The General Authority for Real Estate is actively participating as the official legislative partner, hosting an informative pavilion designed to educate attendees on the latest real estate laws, regulatory updates, and compliance frameworks governing the Kingdom's property market. Meanwhile, the Real Estate Development Fund will contribute as the key financing sector partner, offering specialised financial guidance and lending insights to aspiring homeowners and institutional investors alike. Additionally, the National Housing Company (NHC) takes on the prominent role of the exhibition's main sponsor, reinforcing concerted national efforts to accelerate urban development and expand housing access nationwide.

As September approaches, palpable anticipation is building across the commercial and residential real estate community. With its robust lineup of global exhibitors, high-profile keynote discussions, networking sessions, and strategic commercial partnerships, the fifth edition of SEREDO is firmly positioned to cement Jeddah's status as a premier regional hub for real estate innovation, architectural excellence, and sustainable economic investment throughout the Middle East.