Food security in the MENA region is no longer just a matter of supply and demand. It is a strategic priority that demands urgent action.

With over 60 per cent of the region classified as arid or semi-arid, the reliance on food imports and inefficient agricultural practices has deepened vulnerabilities in our food systems.

While the challenges are daunting, the solution lies in artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics, which have the power to revolutionise agriculture, optimise supply chains, and create a more resilient food ecosystem.

AI-enabled precision agriculture a game-changer for MENA

One of the most powerful applications of AI in food security is precision agriculture. Instead of traditional, resource-intensive farming, AI is enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions that maximise yield, reduce waste, and optimise water and soil use.

In the UAE, we are already witnessing groundbreaking projects that are setting new standards in agricultural efficiency.

Take Elite Agro for example, a leading agricultural EPC contractor that is leveraging advanced machine learning (ML) and AI-driven digital surveillance to detect abnormalities such as plant diseases, pest infestations, and water stress.

By identifying these issues early, farmers can take targeted actions, reducing resource wastage and financial losses while improving productivity.

Another exciting development is the UAE Space Agency’s AI-powered platform which uses geospatial data to detect crop diseases before they spread. These innovations are not just improving agricultural output, they are redefining the future of farming in a region where water is scarce and soil quality is often poor.

AI-driven supply chain optimisation reduces waste, boosts efficiency

A staggering 13 per cent of food is lost between harvest and retail, and an additional 19 per cent is wasted at the consumption level, according to the United Nations. These inefficiencies are unacceptable in a region that faces severe food security risks. AI is helping reverse this pattern through predictive demand forecasting, smarter inventory management, and improved traceability.

One of the most compelling examples comes from the hospitality sector. AI-powered solutions implemented by major hotel chains in the UAE have led to a dramatic reduction in food waste. Hilton for instance has successfully cut its food waste by 62 per cent using AI and tech-enabled traceability methods.

These insights allow businesses to manage their food supply more efficiently, ensuring that excess inventory is minimised while meeting customer demand.

Beyond hotels, AI is also transforming food distribution networks. Smart logistics powered by AI can help optimize transportation routes, reduce spoilage, and ensure food reaches its destination faster and in optimal condition.

As MENA nations continue to invest in food security, AI must become a central component of the region’s supply chain strategy.

The marketplace revolution engaging the next generation of consumers

While AI is optimising production and supply chains, it is also reshaping the way food is marketed and consumed. The younger generation interacts with the world differently, and businesses must adapt. The Foodverse, an initiative by the UAE Food and Beverage Business Group, is a bold step in this direction.

This virtual marketplace serves as both a networking hub for industry players and a futuristic platform for consumer engagement.

This is just the beginning. We must continue to integrate AI and data-driven platforms into the broader food ecosystem from farm to table.

Bridging the gap in the role of public-private collaboration

Despite the immense potential of AI, one critical challenge remains, ensuring that technological advancements reach small and medium-sized farmers. Over 80 per cent of agricultural holdings in the region are small-scale farms, with many under five hectares. These farmers are often excluded from cutting-edge innovations due to financial and logistical barriers.

This is where public-private partnerships become essential. Governments and businesses must work together to ensure that AI-driven agricultural technologies and financing solutions are accessible to all farmers, not just large-scale enterprises. We must answer the pressing question.

How do we ensure that technological investments trickle down to those who need them most? The answer lies in developing financing schemes that align with farmers’ asset conversion cycles, providing affordable access to AI-driven solutions, and integrating small farmers into the modern digital economy.

Without these interventions, food security will remain an unfulfilled promise.

Enabling food security: A call to action

AI is not a luxury, it is a necessity for the future of food security in the MENA region. From precision agriculture to supply chain optimization and AI-driven marketplaces, the technology exists to transform the way we produce, distribute, and consume food. The real challenge now is scaling these solutions and ensuring that they reach the farmers and businesses that need them most.

The path forward requires bold investments, cross-sector collaboration, and a commitment to digital transformation. The future of food security in MENA is in our hands. It is time to harness the full power of AI and data-driven strategies to build a resilient, sustainable, and food-secure region.

The clock is ticking. Are we ready to act?

The writer is the partner and managing partner UAE, LOGIC Consulting.

A national digital platform has been launched to track the prices of essential commodities across the UAE.

According to a Wam report, the platform, launched by the UAE Ministry of Economy, provides real-time tracking of essential consumer goods, including staples like oil, eggs, dairy, rice, sugar, poultry, legumes, bread, and wheat, across various retailers in the UAE.

It allows officials to monitor prices, compare them against established price ceilings, and ensure compliance.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, stated that this initiative reinforces the UAE’s commitment to consumer protection, a stable market, and a competitive economy, aligning with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.

The Dubizzle Group has announced the acquisition of Hatla2ee, a leading Egyptian automotive platform. This strategic move aims to expand Dubizzle Group’s automotive presence in one of the region’s most dynamic markets.

The UAE-based classifieds unicorn, Dubizzle Group, operates leading brands such as dubizzle, Bayut, and DriveArabia across the MENA region.

Read: Bayut & dubizzle’s Antonello Supino on harnessing the power of data

“The acquisition of Hatla2ee is a significant milestone in Dubizzle Group’s journey to further strengthen our automotive footprint across the MENA region. Egypt’s dynamic automotive sector offers immense opportunities, and by integrating Hatla2ee’s expertise with our technology-driven ecosystem, we aim to enhance the buying and selling experience for millions of users. We are excited to welcome Hatla2ee to the group and look forward to driving innovation and value in the Egyptian market,” said Haider Khan, CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA, commenting on the strategic move.

Samy Swellam, CEO of Hatla2ee, welcomed the acquisition, emphasising that joining forces with Dubizzle Group opens new opportunities to enhance Hatla2ee’s offerings, leverage advanced technology, and provide an even better experience for their users in Egypt.

Bayut & dubizzle to launch five new tools to serve buyers and agents

This can be achieved by capitalising on Hatla2ee’s already established strong community of car buyers and sellers, offering a seamless and trusted platform for transactions.

Hatla2ee’s comprehensive services include the buying and selling of both new and used cars—locally produced and imported—along with car evaluations, financing options, and real-time market pricing insights.

Founded in 2016, Hatla2ee has established itself as a trusted platform for buying and selling new and used cars in Egypt. With over 2 million unique monthly visitors across its website and mobile applications, it has become a go-to destination for car buyers and sellers.

There are moments in the tech world when innovation takes a giant leap forward. The HUAWEI Mate XT is one such example.

As the world’s first-ever commercial triple-foldable smartphone, the Mate XT is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, offering an unprecedented level of design, performance and versatility.

Simply put, the Mate XT is a technological ‘marvel’ that represents the future of smartphones.

A unique design

The Mate XT isn’t just the largest foldable smartphone in the world; it’s also the thinnest, with a remarkable thickness of just 3.6mm when fully unfolded.

This ultra-slim profile is paired with an elegant design that seamlessly merges style with cutting-edge technology.

The camera module design draws inspiration from Huawei’s symmetric ‘Star Diamond’ pattern, making it instantly recognisable.

Featuring the new ‘Sinusoidal Cutting’ technique, this design incorporates sharper lines and a three-dimensional structure that exemplifies impeccable craftsmanship.

Each camera lens module boasts unique ‘Eonic Curves’, giving every device its signature look.

The module is crafted through 22 days of meticulous work, involving 78 complex processes. The result? A truly one-of-a-kind design for each device. On the back, an ultra-thin leather cover, just 0.47mm thick, adds an element of subtle luxury.

Crafted from aerospace-grade fibre, this material offers both elegance and durability. Available in black and red, the leather ensures your phone feels as good as it looks.

Tablet-quality display

The Mate XT takes the display experience to new heights with the 3K HUAWEI X-True Display, which delivers vivid, realistic visuals with stunning colour accuracy.

With three distinct screen configurations — Single Screen (6.4 inches), Dual Screen (7.9 inches), and Triple Screen (10.2 inches)—this phone transforms into a tablet with a massive 3K display when fully unfolded.

The Mate XT boasts an impressive 92 per cent screen-to-body ratio, a peak brightness of 1800 nits, and a 120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rate, ensuring a fluid and immersive viewing experience.

Photography redefined

The HUAWEI Mate XT is not just about style and display; it’s also a powerhouse for photography. As the first foldable smartphone to feature a 10-size Adjustable Physical Aperture (F/1.4-F/4.0), the Mate XT takes control over light like no other phone.

The adjustable aperture, controlled by a ring-shaped magnetic motor, ensures you capture every shot in perfect clarity. This, combined with an ultra-wide camera and a 5.5X telephoto lens, allows you to take professional-grade photos with ease.

Despite its thin profile, the Mate XT’s camera system delivers exceptional performance, ensuring high-quality photos and videos every time.

HUAWEI Mate XT’s revolutionary hinge

The engineering behind the world’s first triple-foldable device doesn’t stop with the display. The hinge system is a marvel of innovation, allowing the device to fold both inward and outward simultaneously without increasing its bulk. Huawei’s new hinge technology reduces the device’s thickness by 23 per cent, creating a sleek, lightweight phone that feels as good as it looks.

The strong steel hinge material ensures durability for everyday use, and the opening and closing mechanism feel perfectly balanced, making the foldable experience smoother than ever before.

Backed by Long-lasting power

The HUAWEI Mate XT is powered by the world’s thinnest large-capacity silicon anode battery, just 1.9mm thick, but still packs an impressive 5600mAh capacity.

Despite its slim design, this battery offers more power than many flagship smartphones.

The device also supports HUAWEI SuperCharge, including 66W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, and 7.5W wireless reverse charging, ensuring you spend less time charging and more time using your phone.

Marks the future of foldables

The HUAWEI Mate XT is a leap into the future of foldable smartphones, combining sleek design, incredible display technology, and groundbreaking features like never before.

It’s the only device on the market that seamlessly doubles as a tablet and can even be used like a laptop with one screen folded. This smartphone doesn’t just meet your digital needs; it simplifies your life.

If you’re wondering whether the high price tag is worth it, there’s no comparison. The HUAWEI Mate XT stands alone in its category, and if you’re after the most groundbreaking device on the market, then this is it.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business professional, or someone who simply wants the best tech, the Mate XT is here to redefine how we think about smartphones.

Read: HUAWEI launches new foldable, nova 13 series, MatePad

Motorsport is all about speed, precision, and pushing the limits — and that’s exactly what newly launched AKCEL GP is aiming to deliver.

With its sights set on prestigious series such as Euro Cup 3, the Formula Regional Middle East Championship (FRMEC), and Formula 4 (F4), AKCEL GP is looking to dominate the track, nurture the next generation of racing talent, and break boundaries in a sport where every millisecond counts.

AKCEL GP is the latest venture from the AKCEL Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning technology, real estate, IT, and green energy. Founded by UK-based businessman Amit Kaushal, the group’s ethos of sustainability and innovation forms the backbone of this motorsport endeavour. In fact, AKCEL GP represents the group’s strategic expansion into motorsport, building on its acquisition of the UK-based Indian Warriors Racing team.

Launched in style at the Armani Hotel in Dubai on January 12, 2025, AKCEL GP “represents more than a racing team”, says Kaushal.

“It is a showcase of cutting-edge technology, visionary talent, and a commitment to sustainability,” he notes.

From Dubai to the world

Dubai was a natural choice for the team’s launch. With its global appeal and thriving motorsport culture, the city provided the perfect platform for a team that envisions a far-reaching impact.

And Kaushal, who began his professional journey in Dubai over three decades ago, says the city holds special significance.

“The UAE is the best place right now — it’s a global platform. Everyone in the world is looking at Dubai as the future destination, not just for motorsport but for so many industries.”

As part of its strategy, AKCEL GP will race across circuits in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, exposing its drivers to diverse challenges while simultaneously engaging fans and sponsors on a global scale.

The team’s debut race took place at Abu Dhabi’s world-renowned Yas Marina circuit in January.

Championing the cause for AKCEL GP is a diverse set of drivers, which includes young talents from India, the UAE, and Italy. One of its standout drivers is Emirati Hamda Al Qubaisi, who has already made history in motorsport, becoming the first woman to podium in the Italian F4 Championship. In the same team, Hamda is joined by her sister Amna, who is the first Emirati woman to compete in international motorsport.

“Championing inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword for us — it’s the core of our identity,” Kaushal explains.

Precision and performance

Behind the wheel may be the drivers, but behind the scenes, it’s Rohit Koul, team principal of AKCEL GP, who ensures every detail is meticulously executed.

With over 11 years of motorsport experience, Koul has taken on the mammoth task of managing drivers, technical partners, and infrastructure.

“I’m sleeping only three or four hours a day,” Koul admits. “I need to make sure everything is done properly — cars set up perfectly, drivers happy, and everything moving in the right direction. It’s a sport where even a single second matters.”

Koul’s journey in motorsport began with karting in Canada, where he honed his driving skills and developed a deep understanding of racing dynamics. He later transitioned to Formula racing, achieving multiple victories in Dubai, which solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor. His passion for the sport led him to establish the Indian Warriors Racing team, based in Milton Keynes, UK. Under his leadership, the team participated in the 2024 GB4 Championship, providing a platform for emerging talent.

In 2024, a chance meeting with Kaushal led to the acquisition and rebranding of Indian Warriors Racing into AKCEL GP. The duo quickly aligned on their shared vision for the team.

“We want to create a new ladder to Formula One,” Koul explains. “Our goal is to move into F3 and F2 within a year or two and ensure we produce great drivers who can make it to F1.”

PHM Racing: Vital technical partner

At the heart of AKCEL GP’s operations is its partnership with PHM Racing, a highly experienced technical team renowned for its expertise in developing competitive motorsport setups. This collaboration provides AKCEL GP with the technical resources, engineering prowess, and operational efficiency needed to excel in some of the world’s most challenging racing series.

“We’ve partnered with PHM Racing as our technical partner, and I’m very, very confident in what they’re going to deliver,” Kaushal says.

The partnership extends beyond just engineering and race preparation; it represents a shared vision for nurturing young talent and achieving long-term success. “We are very fortunate to have PHM with us,” adds Kaushal. “Their experience in this class is unmatched, and I’m hopeful that we’ll have a long-term relationship with them.”

Jaden Rahman Pariat, one of the team’s drivers, also praised PHM for their hands-on approach: “They’ve been so patient, guiding us through everything and working on things. They really know what they’re doing, and it shows in the way they’re supporting us.”

BOXOUT: Key facts about PHM Racing

PHM Racing, established in 2021 by Paul Müller, is a German auto racing team based in Berlin. The team emerged from the dissolution of Mücke Motorsport’s single-seater program, with a core group of former Mücke personnel. Operating as a non-profit organization, PHM Racing focuses on developing young driving talent and providing opportunities in motorsport.

The team made its competitive debut in the 2022 Formula 4 UAE Championship, fielding drivers Nikita Bedrin, Jonas Ried, and Taylor Barnard. Their inaugural season was marked by notable successes, including their first race win with Barnard and additional victories by Bedrin. Building on this momentum, PHM Racing expanded into the Italian and German F4 series later that year.

In 2023, PHM Racing further broadened its horizons by entering the Formula Regional Middle East Championship. The team also ventured into the FIA Formula 2 and FIA Formula 3 Championships through a partial takeover of Charouz Racing System, competing under the banner “PHM Racing by Charouz.” This strategic move underscored their rapid growth and ambition within the motorsport hierarchy.

A significant development occurred in 2024 when the Dubai-based AIX Investment Group acquired PHM Racing’s F2 and F3 operations, leading to the rebranding of these teams as AIX Racing. Despite this transition, PHM Racing continues to compete in the Formula Regional and Formula 4 categories.

With AKCEL GP, they are a key technical partner.

AKCEL GP Academy, focus on sustainability

AKCEL GP’s approach extends beyond the track as it’s looking to upskill the next generation of drivers and weave in a sustainable approach to everything it does.

AKCEL GP Academy is a premier institution dedicated to developing the next generation of drivers. The academy provides young racers with world-class training, cutting-edge resources, and expert mentorship to refine their craft.

“Our academy is where dreams take shape,” says Kaushal. “We’re not just building drivers; we’re building champions who understand the technical and mental demands of motorsport.”

Notable talents from the academy include Tadeas Prochazka, an eight-year-old Middle East Bambino Champion, and Jamie White, a 12-year-old ROK Mini Champion. These young racers represent the future of the sport and exemplify AKCEL GP’s commitment to nurturing talent at every level.

The AKCEL GP team is also pioneering sustainable racing practices, integrating lightweight materials and energy-efficient technologies into its cars.

“Motorsport must evolve,” Kaushal states. “We’re committed to reducing our environmental footprint while maintaining peak performance.”

This ethos resonates with sponsors and fans alike. The motorsport industry generates over $10bn annually, and AKCEL GP offers tailored sponsorship packages with branding, VIP access, and meet-and-greet opportunities with drivers.

Looking to the future

As AKCEL GP embarks on its inaugural season, the focus is on building a strong foundation.

“At the moment, we just want to position ourselves and make some noise,” Kaushal says. “We want to tell people, ‘Hey, we’re here to stay.’”

Could AKCEL GP become a Formula One team one day? Both Kaushal and Kaul remain optimistic yet grounded. “You never know, but we’re working hard to make sure whatever we do, we do it the right way,” says Kaul.

“Motorsport is every man’s dream. Whether you’re watching as a fan, standing in the pit lane, or, like now, being the owner of a team, it’s an exciting journey.”