The modern enterprise challenge has shifted from running experimental pilots to executing scalable, real-world operations as AI adoption accelerates globally.

Highlighting this shift, Alteryx is set to showcase the future of enterprise AI and 'agentic analytics' at Alteryx on Tour Riyadh and LEAP 2026. At the heart of this transformation is a new paradigm where businesses move beyond static reporting to deploy autonomous, AI-driven workflows that execute critical decisions seamlessly across operations.

Data Governance and Actionable Insights

Despite the promise of automation, many enterprises find themselves unprepared for this transition. A common hurdle is that enterprise data remains siloed, fragmented, and fundamentally untrusted. When data lacks governance, insights fail to drive meaningful action, and consequently, numerous AI initiatives stall.

Industry experts emphasise a stark reality: "AI tools consume data. They do not prepare or govern it." To unlock the true, scalable value of artificial intelligence, businesses must evolve their operational approach across a distinct continuum. Organisations must actively shift their internal analytics frameworks from manual reporting, to assisted analytics, through to automated processes, and finally toward fully autonomous systems. In the modern era of artificial intelligence, merely collecting data is inadequate. The true competitive advantage stems from activating that data securely, responsibly, and at an enterprise-wide scale.

Showcasing the Future in Saudi Arabia

Addressing this critical enterprise challenge is now the primary focus for leaders in data and business transformation. Building on this momentum, Alteryx will detail its roadmap for the future of enterprise AI during its upcoming technology showcases in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These gatherings serve as a focal point for digital transformation leaders looking to bridge the gap between AI experimentation and operational impact. By highlighting real-world use cases specific to the region, these events aim to provide practical pathways for converting complex, siloed data into highly accountable enterprise value.

Alteryx on Tour: Riyadh

Under the central theme of "Agentic Analytics Starts Here", Alteryx on Tour will take place on 30 August 2026 at the Hilton Riyadh Hotel & Residences. The event will explore how artificial intelligence can be safely operationalised into end-to-end business processes.

The half-day gathering promises to deliver essential insights and networking opportunities for data leaders, including:

• A clear view of an organisation's true AI readiness.

• Practical guidance on migrating smoothly from pilot projects to full production environments.

• Actionable strategies to automate workflows and heavily reduce manual risk.

• Proven approaches to implementing governed, self-service analytics for business users.

• Deep exploration into the rise of agentic, action-driven analytics in modern enterprises.

As noted in the core messaging for the event, "The organisations that will lead will do more than adopt AI. They will build on trusted, governed, AI ready data."

LEAP 2026 and Industry Collaboration

Following the dedicated tour, the enterprise AI focus will seamlessly shift to LEAP 2026, scheduled from 31 August to 3 September 2026 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham. Universally recognised as one of the world's largest and most influential technology events, LEAP will see Alteryx comprehensively demonstrating how fragmented data architectures can be transformed into trusted insights and automated actions on a global stage.

Highlighting the importance of a unified ecosystem, this presence at LEAP will be bolstered by key industry partners, such as DVW Analytics, who will be exhibiting alongside Alteryx to showcase how governed data foundations can bring disparate data sources directly into AI workflows.

The path to making artificial intelligence work in practice relies heavily on three foundational pillars: clean and governed data, explainable logic-based insights, and automated actions that support confident decisions. As enterprise AI continues its rapid maturation, mastering these essential elements will determine which organisations successfully navigate the new era of agentic analytics. Ultimately, moving beyond basic AI experimentation is what will allow modern enterprises to transform their operational intent into measurable business execution.

In an era defined by rapid geopolitical realignments, the Gulf region finds itself at a pivotal juncture.

As the global landscape undergoes profound structural transformations, the intersection of economic volatility, emerging technologies, and complex diplomatic relations demands a recalibrated approach to international affairs. Nations must navigate an intricate web of regional tensions whilst striving to safeguard their strategic interests. Consequently, the need for robust, forward-thinking dialogue has never been more pressing.

It is against this backdrop of accelerating global change that the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) have jointly announced the third edition of the annual Hili Forum. Scheduled for the 7th and 8th of September 2026, the gathering will be hosted at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. The event serves as a critical platform for addressing urgent global challenges, anchored by its overarching theme: “Gulf at Crossroads: Conflict, Consequences and Course Correction.”

The strategic alignment of the ECSSR and AGDA reflects a shared organisational commitment to examining the massive regional and international shifts reshaping the global order. The forum is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the choices that will define the future of the Gulf. By bringing together diverse perspectives, the gathering aims to move beyond traditional diplomatic rhetoric, focusing on practical policy solutions and strategic foresight.

The Three Pillars of Strategic Dialogue

To address the multifaceted nature of modern global challenges, the Hili Forum 2026 is structured around three principal pillars: geopolitics, geoeconomics, and geotechnology. Discussions will critically examine how Gulf states can successfully navigate a complex environment while actively contributing to a resilient, stable regional order.

Key areas of focus during the forum will include:

• Regional Security and Deterrence: Evaluating the future of security architectures and identifying methodologies to mitigate emerging risks in a volatile climate.

• Trade and Energy Corridors: Analysing the resilience of critical global supply chains and the evolving dynamics of energy distribution.

• The Technology-Geopolitics Nexus: Exploring the growing convergence of rapid technological advancement and international relations.

• The Role of Middle Powers: Assessing how emerging middle powers can shape the next phase of the international system and global governance.

A Convergence of Global Leadership

The scale of the third edition underscores its significance on the international diplomatic calendar. The Hili Forum 2026 is expected to convene more than 1,000 participants representing over 35 countries. This elite assembly includes senior government officials, policymakers, seasoned diplomats, academics, and business executives, alongside representatives from prominent international organisations and think tanks.

Furthermore, the agenda will feature insights from more than 55 distinguished speakers. Among the high-profile figures scheduled to address the forum are H.E. Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; H.E. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC); and H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade.

The international breadth of the dialogue is further reinforced by the participation of esteemed global leaders. The roster includes H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Advisor to His Majesty the King of Bahrain for Diplomatic Affairs; H.E. Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden; and H.E. Vuk Jeremić, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia. Additionally, the forum will welcome H.E. Yoo Jeh Seung, former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the UAE; H.E. Lieutenant General Stefano Mannino, President of the Centre for Higher Defence Studies (CASD) of the Italian Republic; and H.E. Jean-Yves Le Gall, former President of the International Astronautical Federation (IAF).

Fostering Collaboration in an Era of Uncertainty

The event highlights the imperative to rethink established assumptions regarding security, economic cooperation, and global governance. It serves as a clarion call for constructive dialogue, encouraging stakeholders to manage emerging risks while simultaneously identifying novel opportunities for regional and international collaboration. Through initiatives like the Hili Forum, Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its position as a central hub for strategic thought, driving the conversations that will invariably shape the diplomatic and economic frameworks of tomorrow.

Dubai, renowned globally for its futuristic skyline and rapid urban development, is increasingly placing its rich cultural heritage at the centre of its tourism strategy.

As millions of passengers transit through the emirate each year, local authorities are ensuring that the story of the city’s past is not lost amidst its modern marvels. In a striking celebration of Emirati history, Dubai Municipality has introduced a unique cultural initiative, welcoming the world through Dubai's historic doors at Dubai International Airport.

The broader focus on cultural preservation reflects a growing recognition that historical identity is a vital component of sustainable urban development. Before the discovery of oil and the subsequent architectural boom, Dubai was a thriving trading port. The remnants of this era, particularly the intricate traditional architecture found in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and along the Dubai Creek, offer a glimpse into a time when craftsmanship and community were paramount. The traditional doors of Dubai, often crafted from robust teak or rosewood and adorned with heavy brass studs and intricate carvings, are emblematic of this era. They were not merely functional barriers but symbols of a family's social standing, hospitality, and heritage.

The Cultural Significance of Traditional Architecture

In traditional Emirati society, a door was the ultimate threshold of hospitality. The intricate geometric patterns and floral motifs carved into these wooden facades told stories of maritime trade routes, connecting the Arabian Peninsula with India and East Africa. By preserving these artefacts, Dubai Municipality is protecting a tangible link to the city's ancestry.

The initiative to showcase these historic doors at one of the world's busiest aviation hubs serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it champions the meticulous conservation efforts spearheaded by the architectural heritage departments within the municipality. Secondly, it provides an immediate, tactile connection to Emirati culture for international visitors from the moment they step off their flights. Rather than passing through a sterile, utilitarian terminal, travellers are greeted by towering pieces of history that invite curiosity and exploration.

Dubai Municipality's Vision at Dubai International Airport

The strategic placement of these historic doors at Dubai International Airport is a masterclass in cultural diplomacy. As a global crossroads connecting East and West, the airport manages tens of millions of travelling passengers annually. By transforming transit zones into immersive heritage exhibitions, the municipality ensures that even transient visitors leave with an appreciation for the emirate's foundational history.

• The installation forms part of a wider programme designed to integrate traditional aesthetics into public spaces. Key features of this airport initiative include:

• Authentic Craftsmanship: Displaying meticulously restored wooden doors that highlight traditional carving techniques, brass detailing, and historic locking mechanisms.

• Global Exposure: Positioning Emirati heritage at the forefront of the international travel experience, reaching audiences who might not normally visit traditional heritage sites.

• Educational Outreach: Providing contextual information alongside the installations, allowing tourists to understand the historical trade networks and cultural exchanges that shaped early Dubai.

• Architectural Contrast: Creating a visually striking juxtaposition between the sleek, state-of-the-art infrastructure of the airport and the rustic, timeless beauty of ancient woodwork.

Integrating History with Urban Development

This project highlights an approach to urban planning wherein heritage is not siloed into museums but actively woven into the fabric of daily public life. The historic doors serve as a metaphor for the city itself—a gateway that honours its past while remaining open to the global community. Dubai Municipality’s efforts extend beyond mere aesthetics; they represent a steadfast commitment to ensuring the soul of the old city remains vibrant.

As the emirate continues to expand its mixed-use urban districts, the integration of historical elements remains crucial. The initiative at Dubai International Airport sets a powerful precedent for future infrastructural projects, proving that the preservation of history and the pursuit of modernisation are not mutually exclusive.

By welcoming the world through these historic doors, Dubai Municipality makes a profound statement of identity. Travellers arriving in the city are immediately reminded that beneath the modern skyline lies a deeply rooted culture, characterised by enduring craftsmanship and an age-old tradition of welcoming guests from every corner of the globe.