Change might well be the only constant, as Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously said some 2,500 years ago.

In 2025, the velocity and magnitude of change – globally and across the Middle East, particularly within the GCC – has surpassed even the boldest forecasts.

From exponential advances in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to seismic shifts in energy markets and climate imperatives, the region is undergoing a transformation of unprecedented scale and complexity.

The GCC emerged from the pandemic not merely intact but invigorated – translating resilience into rapid economic acceleration. Yet today’s leaders are navigating far more than a post-crisis rebound. They are steering through a convergence of disruptive technologies, economic recalibrations, and intensifying environmental demands; in short, a perfect storm that is reshaping the very foundations of growth and governance.

This is not a return to business as usual. It is a decisive pivot toward a future defined by agility, innovation, and sustainability. The challenge now is not only to keep pace with change, but to lead it – strategically, responsibly, and with a vision that matches the moment.

Favourable headwinds

The urgency for leadership action in the GCC is being driven by two converging forces: a region primed for rapid AI adoption and a surge of strategic investments aimed at positioning it at the forefront of the global AI race. With near-universal internet access and a digitally native youth population, the GCC is leapfrogging legacy systems and fast-tracking into AI maturity.

A pivotal moment came earlier this year with US President Trump’s visit, which catalysed multi-billion-dollar AI-focused agreements across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. These deals signal a shift from AI consumption to creation, with the region now investing in sovereign infrastructure and foundational technologies.

In Saudi Arabia, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched HUMAIN, a state-backed AI powerhouse set to operate across the full AI value chain. HUMAIN is building next-generation data centers, cloud platforms, and one of the world’s most advanced Arabic large language models (ALLaM 34B), trained on over 500 billion Arabic tokens.

Its mission is deeply national: to embed Arabic language, culture, and context into AI systems, positioning the Kingdom as a global leader in Arabic-first innovation.

The UAE is executing a more globally integrated strategy through STARGATE UAE, a 1GW AI infrastructure cluster within the 5GW UAE–US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi.

Spearheaded by G42 and developed by Khazna Data Centers, STARGATE UAE is the brainchild of OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, SoftBank, and GSCO. The first 200MW phase is already under construction, with completion targeted for 2026.

Getting reinvention ready

Accenture’s Pulse of Change Index points out that the rate of change affecting businesses in the Middle East has only grown year on year – averaging 97 per cent since 2019 across six core areas—Technology, Talent, Economic, Geopolitical, Climate, and Consumer & Social. Talent exhibits a whopping 675 per cent shift and technology accounts for 186 per cent – highlighting the sea change taking place across the region.

Our latest research, “Building Tomorrow’s Economies: How generative AI will reinvent business in the Middle East” found that 86 per cent of businesses in the region now have a reinvention strategy in place, and at least 82 per cent have admitted to accelerating their reinvention efforts over the past year.

Generative AI (Gen AI) has proven to be the game changer in catalyzing their efforts to implement organisation-wide change. Interestingly, most of the Reinventors – entities with a reinvention strategy in place – experienced growth of at least 15 per cet from 2019 and a 6 per cent premium on profits versus their peers who do not.

Clearly, reinvention, like endurance, smart cities and wisdom, is not a quick fix. The good news for the region is that reinvention has now become a default strategy for the nearly 300 executives Accenture interviewed for its new report

Of course, not every organisation in this region is reinvention-ready, or up to speed with using Gen AI to carry out crucial business transformation. Nearly 14 per cent of the organisations Accenture surveyed did not meet the criteria for enterprise transformation, which is 4 per cent behind the global average.

Accenture’s new report showcases five imperatives that will fast-track business transformation and help deliver a successful reinvention strategy. Incorporating value, tech infrastructure, talent, ethics, and finally, ensuring a continuous reinvention mindset are critical to driving enterprise-wide change and sustainable growth.

GenAI: Revenue driver for reinvention?

One of the central enablers for reinvention, according to the report, is Gen AI adoption, with 66 per cent of the Reinventors signaling that it is an engine for revenue growth.

Gen AI has the power to transform every aspect of an organisation and will eventually disrupt every industry. In fact, 76 per cent of business leaders in the region believe that Gen AI could boost output per worker by more than 10 per cent in the next three years.

However, reinvention is a two-way street. To deploy Gen AI and maximize its potential, organisations will need to reimagine processes, redefine talent strategies and manage technology through responsible AI frameworks.

Central to any business transformation is a strong digital core enhanced by a data-driven, Gen AI backbone.

Strengthening the digital core

Building an industry leading digital core requires enterprises to replace legacy infrastructure with AI-enabled systems—from cloud to data to security. A strong digital core empowers organisations to reinvent twice as many functions with Gen AI.

Making strategic investments of 6 per cent or more in innovation and re-engineering systems for machine (AI) operations, as well as balancing technical debt liabilities with investments for the future, are also key to achieving Gen AI reinvention. Seventy-one per cent of the Reinventors surveyed agreed that adopting GenAI requires significant changes to their IT infrastructure.

Talent powers reinvention

While technology is certainly crucial, reinventing talent and new ways of working will ultimately transform organizations and lead to achieving national visions.

Creating a talent strategy that puts people at its core and assesses how talent needs to be better utilized in the Gen AI era, will ensure worthwhile dividends. There is today a growing need for skills-based hiring and continuous learning across all levels of the workforce -from the C-Suite down.

Change management and rethinking people value propositions are becoming a critical imperative. Integrating Agentic AI architectures to automate workflows and fast-track mundane processes could greatly enhance productivity and optimiSe efficiencies.

Responsible AI mindset

In an era where AI is both a force multiplier and a source of mounting hype, Middle Eastern organisations have a rare opportunity: to embed responsible AI practices from the ground up and build enduring trust. This means going beyond compliance – conducting regular risk assessments, enabling systemic testing, and continuously monitoring AI systems. It also requires engaging cross-disciplinary teams to assess impacts on employees, security, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

In conclusion, and amid all the excitement, it’s critical not to lose sight of reality. The AI landscape today is noisy – characterised by high spending, low returns, limited real-world impact, and even signs of cognitive fatigue. Reinvention is no longer a one-off initiative; it must become a continuous capability embedded in the organisational DNA. Like any core function, it demands dedicated teams, agile planning, and real-time data to drive meaningful outcomes.

We must learn to navigate the hype with discipline – focusing not on what’s trending, but on what truly transforms. The challenge is to identify the few breakthroughs that deliver outsized value, and help the region transition from AI adoption to AI leadership – responsibly, sustainably, and with clarity of purpose.

The writer is the Middle East Strategy & Consulting Lead, Global Public Sector Strategy Lead, Accenture.

Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the new Architectural Identity for Dubai’s road projects, a framework designed to unify the visual language of the emirate’s expanding transport network and support its long-term urban vision. The initiative forms part of Dubai’s broader strategy to develop an integrated, sustainable, and aesthetically distinct city that enhances the experience of residents, commuters, and visitors alike.

The Crown Prince also reviewed progress on two of the emirate’s most significant transport upgrades, the Trade Centre Roundabout Improvement Project and the Al Mustaqbal Street Improvement Project, as well as the Dubai Tunnels initiative, an urban beautification programme that will transform key road tunnels into public art landmarks. Together, these programmes underscore Dubai’s commitment to expanding infrastructure capacity, improving mobility between major business districts, and integrating innovation and design into every layer of the city’s transport ecosystem, an RTA report conveyed.

Transport expansion to support urban growth

During his visit to the Trade Centre Roundabout project site, the Crown Prince was received by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Al Tayer provided an overview of Dubai’s current road and transport landscape, which now spans more than 25,000 lane-kilometres and supports the movement of over 3.5 million vehicles a day.

Read more-Sheikh Zayed road gets direct link to Mall of the Emirates: What motorists need to know

Dubai’s transport network has earned international recognition for the pace and cost-efficiency of its development. According to RTA, the emirate constructs an average of 829 lane-kilometres of new roads annually, more than twice the global average of around 400 lane-kilometres. Cost efficiency per kilometre in building both highways and metro lines is estimated to be between 1.5 and 2.5 times better than in major global cities such as Moscow, Shenzhen, and Milan.

The scale and speed of these projects have delivered tangible economic benefits as well. RTA data shows that road and transport projects have contributed to increases in property values ranging between 6 per cent and 16 per cent across several districts. Between 2025 and 2027, RTA plans to deliver 72 new projects at an estimated cost of Dhs35bn, many of which will support developing commercial zones and emerging urban corridors.

Trade Centre roundabout: A critical interchange nears completion

The Trade Centre Roundabout Improvement Project, one of Dubai’s most essential interchanges, is currently 40 per cent complete. The development links Sheikh Zayed Road with five major arterial streets, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, 2nd December Street, Zabeel Palace Street, and Al Majlis Street, and forms a critical connection between several of Dubai’s busiest commercial and cultural districts. Among the areas served are Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Emirates Towers, Museum of the Future, and Downtown Dubai.

The full upgrade involves the construction of seven bridges and three tunnels extending a combined 6,500 metres, with a total project cost of Dhs1.3bn.

When fully operational, the upgraded interchange is expected to benefit more than one million residents and visitors and reduce average travel times through the junction by 75 per cent.

The phased openings will begin in January next year, when two new bridges will be inaugurated to serve traffic moving from 2nd December Street towards Al Majlis Street and Sheikh Rashid Street. A key bridge connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street is scheduled to open in March, followed by two additional bridges in October 2026 to improve flows from Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street.

Al Tayer explained that the broader project includes the conversion of the existing roundabout into a surface-level intersection, which will significantly improve traffic flow from Sheikh Zayed Road to 2nd December Street and from Al Mustaqbal Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road in the southbound direction. Once completed, the interchange’s capacity will double, delays will fall from an average of 12 minutes to just 90 seconds, and travel time between Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street will drop from six minutes to one minute.

The new configuration will also support free-flow connections from 2nd December Street toward Al Majlis Street, with smooth links to Al Mustaqbal Street, while enhancing movement from Sheikh Rashid Street toward Deira. In addition, a second-level bridge will provide a seamless connection between Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, reinforcing the link between major business hubs.

Al Mustaqbal Street upgrade to boost corridor capacity

The Crown Prince also reviewed the Al Mustaqbal Street Improvement Project, which stretches from its intersection with Zabeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street. A key corridor running through some of Dubai’s most strategic business districts, the improved street will include bridges and tunnels totalling 1,500 metres and is slated for completion in 2027.

A major element of the upgrade involves widening Al Mustaqbal Street from three to four lanes in each direction. This expansion will increase the corridor’s capacity by 33 per cent, raising its hourly capacity from 6,600 vehicles to 8,800 vehicles. The improved road network will cut travel time along the corridor from 13 minutes to just six minutes.

The project includes three new tunnels with a combined length of 1,100 metres at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Street, and a 400-metre two-lane bridge serving vehicles travelling from Dubai World Trade Centre towards the intersection of Zabeel Palace Street and Al Mustaqbal Street. The road will also be widened over a 3,500-metre stretch between Financial Centre Street and Zabeel Palace Street.

Traffic movement will be further improved through upgraded intersections at Exhibition Street and Trade Centre Street, as well as the construction of a pedestrian bridge on Sukuk Street. Enhancements to existing junctions along the corridor will support smoother flows and improved safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

New architectural identity sets visual and functional standards

In addition to reviewing construction progress, the Crown Prince examined the newly approved architectural identity, a design framework intended to enrich the visual landscape of Dubai’s road network and standardise the aesthetic and functional elements of future infrastructure projects.

The strategy is closely aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which seeks to enhance the city’s quality of life and reinforce its global attractiveness through a cohesive architectural language. The identity draws inspiration from Dubai’s traditional architectural heritage, while integrating modern design elements that reflect the city’s rapid evolution and forward-looking ambitions.

Under the new framework, infrastructure components such as bridges, canopies, lighting, street furniture, and other visual elements will follow unified standards to ensure design consistency across the emirate. Environmental sustainability plays a central role in the design approach, with the use of eco-friendly materials and a focus on balancing technical performance with aesthetic value.

The architectural identity initiative aims to position Dubai as a model for cities seeking to blend authenticity with modernity, while also demonstrating global leadership in urban design. By elevating the visual appeal of infrastructure, the city hopes to create a more cohesive and recognisable urban character.

Six urban zones to guide design standards

A key part of the new design strategy is the division of Dubai into six principal zones based on land use, architectural form, and dominant activities. Each zone will have tailored standards for colours, materials, and architectural styles to ensure visual harmony while preserving the distinct identity of each area.

Residential zones will emphasise privacy and tranquillity, using warm colours and materials that draw from the natural environment. Rural zones will reflect organic forms and earthy tones that highlight agricultural and natural landscapes. Industrial zones will prioritise durable, practical materials and neutral colours suited to the functional nature of these areas.

Mixed-use zones will adopt a flexible architectural language that accommodates both residential and commercial needs, with design elements that support seamless integration between public and private spaces.

Historical and artistic zones will highlight Dubai’s cultural heritage through traditional details and ornamentation. High-end attraction zones, home to major landmarks and tourist destinations, will use contemporary façades, modern forms, and unique materials that reflect the city’s innovative spirit.

Global talent shapes road identity through Dubai Urban Challenge

Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed the outcomes of the Dubai Urban Challenge, a global design competition launched by RTA to shape the architectural identity of the city’s road network. The challenge drew more than 500 artists and designers from 91 countries, underscoring international interest in contributing to Dubai’s evolving urban form.

Entries were evaluated by a panel of leading local and international architects. The winning submissions included A Thread Through Time by Oliver Charles of the United Kingdom; Breathing Masonry by Mohammed Ayash of Saudi Arabia; and Echo by Giulietta Debrutti of Argentina.

These works will influence the aesthetic direction of road infrastructure across the emirate, incorporating innovative and culturally grounded design elements.

Dubai tunnels initiative to transform infrastructure into public art

At the end of his visit, the Crown Prince reviewed the Dubai Tunnels initiative, a programme designed to turn urban transport infrastructure into extensions of the city’s cultural and artistic identity. The initiative will cover the beautification of 18 tunnels across three phases.

The first phase includes tunnels on Al Khaleej Street, Umm Suqeim Street, and Oud Metha Street. The second phase covers tunnels on Museum of the Future Street, Trade Centre Street, and Al Sukook Street. The third phase will beautify tunnels along Al Wasl Street, Jumeirah Street, and Umm Suqeim Street.

The RTA outlined the technologies being used in these tunnel upgrades, including adaptive smart lighting systems that improve the user experience and enhance safety. High-performance wall panels designed to withstand heat and humidity will display artistic designs, contributing to Dubai’s modern aesthetic identity. The materials used across these tunnels are designed to be more sustainable and efficient, reflecting the city’s goal of integrating beauty and functionality in every layer of urban development.

The UAE Cyber Security Council has warned of escalating cybersecurity risks linked to untrusted public charging ports, reporting that 79 per cent of travellers unknowingly expose their personal data when powering their devices at unsecured public stations.

According to the Council, some public charging points may contain malicious software or hidden systems capable of accessing personal information through “juice jacking” attacks. These attacks exploit media or image transfer protocols that activate automatically when a device is connected, allowing hackers to intercept or extract sensitive data.

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In comments to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Council said that bypassing protective measures and relying on unsafe charging stations can lead to data and password theft, as well as the covert installation of harmful software on mobile phones.

The risks are not limited to individual users. The Council revealed that 68 percent of companies have faced attacks originating from untrusted charging ports, resulting in data breaches and compromises to their digital infrastructure. This trend underscores the growing operational and financial vulnerabilities organisations face as digital reliance intensifies across sectors.

Warning signs and preventive steps

The Council outlined several warning signs that may indicate a device has been compromised. These include rapid battery drain, sluggish app performance, repeated system crashes and the sudden appearance of unfamiliar symbols or messages.

To mitigate these risks, the Cyber Security Council urged travellers and professionals to carry their own chargers, avoid public charging stations whenever possible and reject any data-transfer requests during charging. Additional guidance includes enabling two-factor authentication, using biometric login features such as fingerprint or facial recognition and reviewing app permissions to ensure no unnecessary access is granted to photos, messages or contacts.

Strengthening public awareness

The council highlighted the importance of verifying the safety of installed applications, noting that some apps may contain malicious software that enables hackers to steal personal data or spy on users. In severe cases, the risks extend to financial fraud and the theft of bank cards and online account information.

To boost national cyber readiness, the Cyber Security Council recently launched a weekly awareness campaign under its Cyber Pulse initiative. The programme aims to improve public understanding of safe digital practices and provide guidance on countering cyber threats. It forms part of broader efforts to build a secure cyberspace that keeps pace with rapid digital transformation, strengthens trust in the digital ecosystem and safeguards user privacy.

The UAE is set for a period of shifting weather conditions as a weak surface low-pressure system and upper-air extension move across the country, according to forecasts issued by the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM). The development is expected to bring higher humidity, intermittent cloud cover, and scattered light rainfall, particularly in western areas and offshore islands.

The NCM said Saturday evening that humid mornings with possible fog will begin from tomorrow and continue through 27 November, accompanied by light to moderate winds that may freshen at times. Early in the week, the Arabian Gulf could experience slightly rough conditions before seas gradually calm. Temperatures are also poised to edge lower by Tuesday, contributing to the seasonal shift, a WAM report said.

Humidity, fog risks and cloud build-up

Rising humidity will be a key feature of the coming days, especially overnight and during early mornings. Inland areas are expected to face the most pronounced moisture levels, increasing the likelihood of fog or mist formation that may affect visibility and potentially slow early-day activity across logistics, transport and aviation sectors.

Read more-Fog, dust and humidity: NCM warns of shifting conditions in UAE

Cloud cover will vary throughout the week, with the most persistent patches expected over western coastal regions. These conditions will be paired with light rainfall probabilities, particularly around islands and exposed western areas. Temperature highs are forecast to reach between 27°C and 31°C in coastal regions, 29°C to 34°C inland, and 20°C to 26°C in the mountains, creating a notable contrast between daytime warmth and cooler nights.

Sea conditions in the Arabian Gulf are forecast to fluctuate from slight to moderate, while the Oman Sea will remain consistently slight, posing minimal disruption to maritime operations.

Four-day weather outlook

Monday, 24 November

Cloudiness will continue over western areas, sustaining chances of rainfall. Overnight humidity will rise once again, possibly leading to mist in inland zones. Winds will stay light to moderate, occasionally freshening, with slight sea conditions expected in both regional waters.

Tuesday, 25 November

A slight temperature dip is anticipated as cloud cover persists in the west. High humidity overnight will maintain the risk of mist, though winds and sea behaviour should remain stable, supporting business and commuting activities with limited disruption.

Wednesday, 26 November

Partly cloudy conditions will dominate as winds shift from southeasterly to northwesterly. The Arabian Gulf and the Oman Sea are projected to remain slight, providing calm conditions for marine operators.

Thursday, 27 November

Cloudiness may increase over coastal and northern regions, along with strengthening northwesterly winds. The Arabian Gulf could experience slight to moderate waves, while the Oman Sea will stay slight. The week concludes with lingering chances of light rain as the system gradually weakens.

WhatsApp is taking significant steps to enhance personal expression and real-time communication as it rolls out a refreshed version of its original “About” feature alongside creative upgrades to Status. Together, these updates demonstrate the company’s strategy to increase user engagement, encourage frequent sharing, and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded messaging market.

With billions of users relying on the platform daily, WhatsApp is sharpening its focus on lightweight, expressive, and visually rich communication formats.

WhatsApp has reintroduced About, the very first feature it ever offered, with improved usability and visibility. For long-time users, About predates the app’s core private messaging tools and was originally designed to let people quickly share what they were doing at the moment, the information on the WhatsApp blog revealed.

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The updated About feature was built to reflect the fast pace of modern digital life. For moments when availability shifts from one minute to the next, users can signal why they are unavailable, or what they do want to discuss, through a short phrase paired with an emoji. To increase visibility, About now appears at the top of one-on-one chats and on user profiles, while contacts can reply to an About directly by tapping it within a conversation.

About also includes customisable timers. By default, it disappears after one day, but users can set shorter or longer durations under Settings in the “Set About” menu. Privacy remains central: individuals can choose whether About is visible only to contacts or to a broader audience.

The refreshed About feature is rolling out to all mobile users starting this week.

Expanding creative expression on status

Alongside the About refresh, WhatsApp introduced new tools to enhance how users shared content through Status, the platform’s private, ephemeral update format. In May 2025, Status provided a space where people could keep close contacts informed about daily moments or major life events.

The updates expanded creative possibilities. With the new Layout option, users could combine up to six images into a collage and customize its appearance using built-in editing tools. The More with Music feature allowed individuals to create Status posts centered entirely on a particular song or add a music sticker to set a specific mood.

WhatsApp also added Photo Stickers, enabling users to turn any photo into a sticker that could be resized and reshaped for more personalized expression. Another addition, Add Yours, invited user participation by allowing people to post a picture with a prompt; contacts could respond and share their own replies to their Status.

According to the company at the time, these tools were designed to help users express themselves more creatively while strengthening communication within private circles. The features began rolling out shortly afterward and were expected to reach all users over the coming months.