In The Spotlight
Closing the AI confidence gap at work
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into the modern workforce has shifted the global conversation from hypothetical disruptions to daily operational realities.
Around the world, organisations are deploying intelligent systems and robotics to streamline workflows and drive efficiency. However, a more nuanced challenge is coming into focus. While basic access to generative tools is becoming equitable, the deeper metrics of workplace confidence, daily engagement, and perceived productivity returns reveal a stark divide. Addressing this hidden gap has become a priority for businesses seeking to harness their human capital in a shifting digital economy.
Confidence vs Capability in the Workplace
Recent data from the Pew Research Centre highlights this evolving dynamic. In just two years, women have almost completely closed the foundational usage gap. Today, 47 percent of women utilise AI chatbots, trailing the 50 per cent adoption rate among men by a narrow margin. Yet, this surface-level parity masks deeper discrepancies. Statistics indicate that 27 per cent of men engage with chatbots daily, compared to 20 per cent of women. Furthermore, 40 per cent of employed men rely on these tools for work, edging out the 35 per cent of women who do the same.
The most significant disparity lies in the perception of productivity and workplace confidence. Thirty-five per cent of men report that intelligent systems make them more productive, while only 25 per cent of women share that sentiment. Moreover, a mere 15 per cent of women describe themselves as very confident when using AI tools, lagging behind the 22 per cent of men expressing high confidence. This hesitation reflects genuine concerns regarding the rapid pace of development. Research shows that 68 per cent of women believe AI is evolving too quickly, raising legitimate questions regarding who holds influence when these systems are deployed across various industries.
Shaping the Systems of Tomorrow
To overcome this challenge, businesses and educational institutions must reconsider how they integrate technology. The true benefit of artificial intelligence stems not merely from having access to a platform, but from possessing the necessary understanding to scrutinise outputs, frame superior queries, and challenge inaccurate results. When equal adoption rates conceal unequal returns, the solution lies in empowering the workforce to take an active role in shaping the systems they rely on daily.
Hanan Al Siyabi, an organiser representing the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, articulated this imperative clearly: "AI is often presented to employees as something already decided. A new tool arrives with an expectation that people will adapt to it. Those expected to use the system may have had little say in the problem it was built to solve. Increasing the number of women using AI is only part of the work. Women also need the confidence to test it and the authority to question how it is used."
The Duqm Summer Series: Empowering Women in Tech
To foster this essential dialogue and confront these disparities directly, the Special Economic Zone at Duqm is launching the 2026 Duqm Summer Series. The programme opens with a flagship session titled “Intelligent Machines”, scheduled for Sunday 23 August at 7:30 pm at the Crowne Plaza Duqm. Rather than relying on imported consultancy, the event leverages local expertise to run an actionable AI literacy programme tailored for the regional workforce.
The inaugural session brings together four distinguished Omani women actively driving advancements across computer science, data ecosystems, and intelligent systems. The panel will feature:
- Dr Fatima Al Raisi: Department of Computer Science at Sultan Qaboos University
- Amna Al Sinani: Future Data
- Beylasan Al Ruzaiqi: Onsor
- Dr Aziza Al Zadjali: Star Labs
Together, they will explore how artificial intelligence is transitioning into physical machinery and discuss the broader implications for the public and private sectors in Oman.
The “Intelligent Machines” panel serves as the foundation for a broader three-evening series. Running until 25 August, the initiative will feature twelve leading speakers from business, academia, and government. By grounding these critical conversations in the lived experiences of successful professionals, the Duqm Summer Series aims to ensure that women are fully equipped to participate in, and lead, the transformative changes sweeping through the modern workplace.
The Produced Water Society is set to convene industry executives, environmental experts, and public servants for the highly anticipated Middle East Water Week Conference and Exhibition.
Shaping circular water economies at Middle East Water Week 2026
The strategic management of produced and industrial water has transitioned from a routine operational task to a critical global priority.
High-salinity operations present unique ecological challenges, particularly where resource conservation is paramount. Addressing this pressing imperative, the Produced Water Society is set to convene industry executives, environmental experts, and public servants for the highly anticipated Middle East Water Week Conference and Exhibition. Scheduled in Al-Khobar from 14th to 17th December 2026, the event promises to shape integrated water strategies, focusing on produced water, industrial water, and advanced treatment solutions.
Marking the 10th anniversary of its Middle East chapter, the summit arrives at a watershed moment for the global energy landscape. This year's overarching focus is driven by the theme, “One Water, One Strategy: Redefining Produced and Industrial Water in the Middle East,” an initiative seeking to bring together global experts, industry leaders, and innovators. Rather than treating different wastewater streams as isolated challenges, the conference advocates for a strategic convergence, positioning all water into a single, unified national resource strategy.
Transitioning to Circular Water Economies
A significant focus of the 2026 agenda is the necessary shift away from traditional disposal methods towards progressive circular water economies. In particular, discussions will heavily prioritise Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and industrial water valorisation. By treating high-salinity brine and produced water as lucrative assets rather than liabilities, operators can simultaneously reduce their environmental footprint and unlock new economic value.
These critical enablers of the circular economy will be thoroughly examined alongside emerging treatment technologies. The objective is to equip attendees with knowledge to maximise operational efficiency and mitigate environmental impacts inherent in intensive industrial operations.
Three Pillars of Industry Transformation
To ensure a comprehensive exploration of these complex topics, the event’s technical sessions, strategic discussions, and in-depth case studies are meticulously structured around three core pillars:
- Treatment Technologies and Operational Solutions: Experts will highlight cutting-edge advancements in treating produced water. This includes deploying modular offshore and onshore systems, novel separation methods, and developing eco-friendly chemicals with proven success in active field deployments.
- Sustainability, Reuse, and Environmental Strategy: A dedicated focus on ecological responsibility will explore circular water economies and Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems. Sessions will delve into advanced oilfield brine management, navigating complex regulatory compliance, and practically integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics for global energy operations.
- Economics, Risk Management, and Policy: Balancing environmental liability with economic feasibility remains a critical hurdle. This pillar will analyse lifecycle costs, explore return-on-investment (ROI) modelling for digital water systems, and establish robust decision-making frameworks based on quantitative risk assessments.
Expanding Commercial Opportunities in Dammam
Beyond the strategic discussions, the Al-Khobar conference will be enhanced by an expansive exhibition space. This vital platform for knowledge exchange empowers technology providers to present their latest solutions directly to key decision-makers. Exhibitors are afforded a unique opportunity to place themselves at the absolute forefront of industry innovation, gaining immediate market feedback while establishing powerful new commercial connections and strengthening existing customer relationships in Dammam and beyond.
To further support industry collaboration, the event features tiered sponsorship options—including Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Gala Dinner packages. These commercial tiers offer strategic advantages such as prime booth placement, press kit releases, full-page colour advertisements, VIP access, and discounted delegate registration.
The Middle East Water Week represents a pivotal gathering for those committed to redefining the intersection of energy production and environmental stewardship. By fostering a collaborative environment, the exhibition ensures that stakeholders can transition from theoretical sustainability models to actionable, technologically advanced solutions, fundamentally altering the trajectory of the water industry.
Meraas breaks ground at Atélis at d3
The global pursuit of integrated urban living has redefined how major cities approach property development.
Modern residents are increasingly seeking more than just luxury; they demand a harmonious blend of creativity, connectivity, and natural surroundings.
In Dubai, this shift is particularly evident as districts once synonymous solely with commerce and professional activity are transforming into multifaceted, 24-hour lifestyle destinations. This evolution is central to the city’s long-term vision, where the convergence of design, culture, and community has become a primary driver of high-end real estate demand.
The Dubai Design District (d3) has historically stood as the region’s premier hub for creativity and innovation. However, as the urban landscape matures, the challenge for developers has been to introduce residential infrastructure that respects the district’s unique creative identity while providing the comforts of contemporary waterfront living. The answer lies in master-planned expansions that leverage green corridors, pedestrian-first infrastructure, and architectural designs that echo the local environment. By embedding residential towers into an established commercial ecosystem, developers are creating environments where the lines between work, leisure, and home are seamlessly integrated.
Central to this transformative strategy is Meraas, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate. As part of its commitment to advancing the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Meraas has been systematically executing a vision to establish d3 as a global benchmark for design-focused urban living. This progress is underscored by the sustained popularity of its recent residential offerings, which have seen exceptional market performance and rapid absorption by buyers seeking long-term investment opportunities in central locations.
Building on this momentum, Meraas has officially commenced ground works for its latest landmark project, Atélis at d3. The company announced that it has awarded the ground works contract for the project to International Foundation Group. According to Meraas, the contract encompasses a comprehensive scope of work, including “comprehensive site preparation, excavation, soil improvement, dewatering, and the design and construction of shoring and piling works.” These essential activities serve as the foundation for the subsequent phases of construction, ensuring the site is fully prepared for the rise of what is set to be a significant addition to the Dubai skyline.
Designed by the internationally-renowned architectural practice Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Atélis at d3 is envisioned as a 45-storey residential landmark. The tower’s design is particularly notable for its “elegant, petal-inspired balconies inspired by flowers native to the UAE desert,” a feature that bridges modern aesthetic values with local heritage. Once completed, the development will provide a collection of one- to four-bedroom apartments, complemented by exclusive penthouses. Residents will enjoy panoramic views of the Dubai Creek and the iconic city skyline, further cementing the tower’s status as a premium residential address.
Beyond its architectural prominence, Atélis is designed to reflect the creative character of its surroundings. A company spokesman noted that “residents will have access to three levels of premium amenities, including wellness facilities, co-working spaces, and communal areas reflecting d3’s creative character.” By offering these curated spaces, the project supports the broader objective of fostering an environment where creativity, entrepreneurship, and luxury living converge.
As work continues on-site, the development stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of the Dubai Design District. By transforming a commercial hub into a vibrant waterfront neighbourhood, Meraas is not only meeting the demand for high-end housing but is also setting a new standard for how professional creative districts can evolve into fully integrated, human-centric communities.