The retail industry is undergoing a radical transformation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. Over the past two decades, I’ve seen first-hand how data is one of retail’s most powerful tools when it is properly analysed.

In recent years I’ve had the privilege to witness firsthand how AI-driven platforms are fundamentally changing the way retailers interact with customers and manage their operations. This is not just about automating processes; it’s about understanding customers on a deeper level, predicting their needs, and responding in real-time to create a completely new shopping experience.

Personalisation for every customer

The retail landscape has never been more competitive. Consumers today expect personalised experiences, seamless omnichannel interactions, and the convenience of shopping when, where, and how they want. It’s no surprise that technology solutions have been created to meet this considerable gap in the customer experience.

Retailers are now able to meet — and exceed — more expectations than ever. By leveraging AI and big data, technology is enabling retailers to not only understand what customers want but to anticipate their needs, often before they even realise them.

Unlocking customer insights

At its core, AI in retail is about understanding people. By analysing patterns in data, we can gain insights into customer behaviour, preferences, and even emotions. For instance, predictive analytics capabilities can determine when a customer is likely to make a purchase and what factors may influence that decision. This goes beyond simple product recommendations — it’s about understanding the “why” behind each customer’s actions.

Retailers need to increasingly identify very specific things about their audience. As an illustrative example, let’s say that a segment of customers shows a strong preference for eco-friendly products. This insight prompts the retailer to adjust their inventory, increasing the availability of sustainable products and implementing targeted marketing campaigns that emphasise their commitment to the environment. Campaigns such as this can enhance customer loyalty and higher sales in that product category.

Furthermore, with AI-driven insights, retailers can identify patterns that would otherwise be difficult, if not impossible, to spot. Seasonal buying patterns, regional preferences, and even time-of-day shopping habits all contribute to a more holistic understanding of the customer. Armed with these insights, retailers can adjust their offerings in real-time, ensuring that customers have access to the products they want, precisely when they want them.

RetailGPT: More than just AI

Leading a company with more than two decades of delivering data-powered insights to global retail clients, Pathfinder Global’s revolutionary RetailGPT technology is more than just another AI tool — it’s an intelligent platform designed to address the multifaceted needs of modern retail businesses. Traditional data systems could provide insights into sales and basic customer demographics, but today’s retailers require something far more sophisticated.

RetailGPT takes AI’s power a step further, utilising machine learning algorithms that analyse massive data sets in real-time, from purchasing habits and product preferences to social media sentiment and location-based trends.

Deeper understanding allows retailers to tailor their product offerings and marketing strategies with unprecedented precision. Imagine knowing that a customer visiting your store has a preference for a specific product category, colour, or brand. RetailGPT empowers sales teams and store associates with this knowledge so they can create personalised shopping experiences for each visitor.

AI is the future of retail

AI allows us to analyse information across multiple channels—online, in-store, and mobile — creating a seamless omnichannel experience that’s critical in today’s market. Its applications are exciting. Today, we already have AI-powered cameras and image recognition systems that can monitor store shelves to ensure stock availability, track inventory, and analyse shopper behaviour. Visual AI can also enhance security and loss prevention by detecting unusual activities in real-time. AI-driven robots in warehouses can efficiently pick, pack, and ship orders. In stores, robots can assist with tasks like shelf scanning and customer service.

AI algorithms can analyse historical sales data, weather patterns, and external events to predict demand trends and optimise inventory management. This minimises waste and ensures stock availability during peak demand periods.

Meanwhile, natural language processing (NLP) enables chatbots and voice assistants to handle customer queries, assist with product recommendations, and offer support both online and in-store. It also powers sentiment analysis by monitoring social media and customer reviews to gauge public perception.

I believe that the future of retail lies in the seamless integration of AI and human insight. AI tools are incredible at identifying patterns and trends we might never notice. But their true power comes from pairing those insights with the creativity and intuition that only humans can bring to the table. Together, they create a customer experience that’s not just predictive but deeply personal.

As the retail industry faces constant shifts in consumer behaviour, tools like AI-powered analytics, recommendation engines, and customer sentiment analysis are no longer optional — they’re essential. Retailers who embrace these technologies won’t just keep up with their customers; they’ll anticipate their needs and exceed expectations.

The writer is the CEO of Pathfinder Global.

Dubai’s private school sector continues to thrive, with student enrolment increasing by 6 per cent for the 2024-25 academic year, bringing the total number of students to 387,441 across 227 private schools, according to the latest data from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

The expansion of the sector is highlighted in a new KHDA report, which also noted the opening of 10 new private schools during the academic year.

This growth aligns with Dubai’s Education Strategy E33, which aims to establish at least 100 new private schools by 2033.

The addition of these new institutions reflects Dubai’s commitment to meeting the educational needs of its growing and diverse population.

Aisha Miran, director general of KHDA, commented, “Dubai continues to be an attractive destination for families seeking world-class education and for educators dedicated to shaping future generations. The growth in student enrolment, including Emirati students, alongside the expansion of new schools, reflects the strength of the city’s education ecosystem.”

She added, “The E33 Strategy will continue to drive this sector forward by creating a diverse, inclusive environment where every student – regardless of background or ability – can access high-quality education and develop the skills they need to thrive in a globalised world.

“Our focus remains on fostering innovation, enhancing student wellbeing, and ensuring that education in Dubai empowers individuals to succeed and contribute to the ambitious goals set under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33.”

Private schools offer a broad range of curricula

Dubai’s private schools cater to a broad range of curricula, with 17 different options available.

The UK curriculum remains the most popular, with 37 per cent of students enrolled in schools offering it, followed by the Indian curriculum at 26 per cent, the US curriculum at 14 per cent, the International Baccalaureate (IB) at 7 per cent, and the UK/IB hybrid curriculum at 4 per cent.

The data also revealed that 33,210 Emirati students are enrolled in Dubai’s private schools. Among Emirati families, the US curriculum is the most preferred, followed by the UK and IB curricula.

One of the key goals of the E33 Strategy is to empower Emirati students by providing them with access to world-class education, enhancing student wellbeing, and promoting a culture of lifelong learning.

Dubai’s private schools continue to attract top talent, with 27,284 teachers now employed in the sector—an increase of 9 per cent compared to the previous academic year.

This growth highlights Dubai’s ability to draw international educators seeking career advancement and professional development, further solidifying the emirate’s position as a leading hub for education.

At a glance: Private schools in Dubai

• 227 schools, offering 17 different curricula
• 10 new schools opened in 2024-25
• 387,441 students, representing 185 nationalities
• 33,210 Emirati students
• 27,284 teachers

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record, with global average temperatures about 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels.

This follows a decade of relentless heat, with every year since 2015 ranking among the ten hottest years on record.

The WMO’s assessment is based on data from six international climate datasets, highlighting an unprecedented rate of global warming.

In a critical milestone, 2024 marks the likely first calendar year where the global temperature has exceeded the 1.5°C threshold above the 1850-1900 baseline, a key benchmark of the Paris Agreement.

The WMO’s report serves as a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis and the urgent need for intensified global action.

“Today’s assessment from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) proves yet again – global heating is a cold, hard fact,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. He cautioned, however, that while individual years surpassing the 1.5°C limit do not signal the end of long-term climate goals, they demand accelerated climate action. “Blazing temperatures in 2024 require trail-blazing climate action in 2025,” he added, urging world leaders to act swiftly to mitigate the worst effects of climate change.

The WMO’s temperature analysis combines data from a range of trusted global sources, including NASA, NOAA, the UK Met Office, and Japan’s Meteorological Agency, providing a robust picture of global temperature trends.

The year’s exceptionally high temperatures were fueled by a combination of human-driven global warming and the El Niño phenomenon, which lasted until May 2024.

Warmest year sees ocean heat rise

Alongside the soaring air temperatures, ocean heat reached record levels in 2024, marking the highest ocean temperatures ever recorded by humans. A separate study highlighted that approximately 90 per cent of the excess heat from global warming is stored in the ocean. This year alone, the global ocean heat content increased by 16 zettajoules (ZJ), roughly 140 times the total global electricity generation in 2023.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo described the past decade of record-breaking temperatures as “climate history playing out before our eyes,” warning that these conditions have been accompanied by rising sea levels, extreme weather, and the melting of ice caps. “Every fraction of a degree of warming matters. Whether it is below or above 1.5°C of warming, each increment increases the impacts on our planet, our economies, and our lives,” she said.

Climate goals in jeopardy

Despite the alarming figures, the WMO emphasised that a single year of temperatures surpassing 1.5°C does not signal a failure to meet the long-term temperature goals set by the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to “well below 2°C” and ideally to 1.5°C by the end of the century.

The Paris Agreement’s targets are based on long-term averages rather than individual yearly fluctuations. However, the report underscores that urgent and sustained action is necessary to limit further warming and its devastating effects.

Guterres called for governments to enhance national climate action plans to ensure global temperatures do not rise further. “There’s still time to avoid the worst of the climate catastrophe, but leaders must act — now,” he said.

The path forward

The WMO’s findings point to a need for immediate and comprehensive action to slow global warming. A global team of experts has indicated that the long-term average global temperature increase, as assessed in 2024, stands at about 1.3°C compared to the 1850-1900 baseline.

While this suggests that the 1.5°C target is not yet lost, it remains in serious jeopardy as extreme weather events and rising greenhouse gas levels continue to challenge efforts to combat climate change.

WMO will release its full State of the Global Climate 2024 report in March, which will include additional data on climate change indicators, such as sea-level rise, glacier retreat, and sea ice extent, as well as details on high-impact climate events.

In the face of these dire findings, the global community faces a critical moment to redouble efforts to mitigate climate change, particularly through international cooperation, innovation, and bold climate policies.

The clock is ticking, and the need for action has never been more urgent.

Dreaming of your next holiday? So are we. With the year just starting, it’s the perfect time to begin planning your getaways, and knowing the public holidays in the UAE for 2025 can help you make the most of your time off.

The UAE government has already announced the official public holidays for the year, ensuring that you can plan for both work and leisure.

In 2025, the UAE will enjoy at least 12 public holidays, including the special occasions of Eid, Islamic New Year, and UAE National Day. This could mean a bonus day off if Ramadan spans 30 days, as we experienced in 2024.

These dates are based on the UAE’s official gazette announcement and are confirmed in line with new resolutions that came into effect on January 1.

What’s new with public holidays?

A key change in the way public holidays are declared in the UAE comes with a new resolution under the UAE Cabinet Resolution No 27 of 2024.

According to this update, if a holiday falls on a weekend, it “may be carried over by a Cabinet decision to the beginning or end of the week”.

While this does not apply to Eid Al Fitr or Eid Al Adha, this could lead to some additional time off if certain public holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday.

For example, if the resolution had been in effect for the Islamic New Year 2024, we might have enjoyed an extra day off on Friday or Monday.

The law impacts both the public and private sectors across the UAE, ensuring that these holidays are enjoyed by everyone.

Official UAE public holidays in 2025

Here’s a breakdown of the anticipated public holidays in the UAE for 2025, including Islamic Calendar dates: Gregorian Date Islamic Date Day Occasion January 1, 2025 11 Jumada al-Awwal 1446 Wednesday New Year’s Day March 31, 2025 1 Shawwal 1446 Monday Eid Al Fitr (Day 1) April 1, 2025 2 Shawwal 1446 Tuesday Eid Al Fitr (Day 2) April 2, 2025 3 Shawwal 1446 Wednesday Eid Al Fitr (Day 3) May 30, 2025 9 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 Thursday Arafat Day May 31, 2025 10 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 Friday Eid Al Adha (Day 1) June 1, 2025 11 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 Saturday Eid Al Adha (Day 2) June 2, 2025 12 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446 Sunday Eid Al Adha (Day 3) June 27, 2025 1 Muharram 1447 Thursday Islamic New Year September 4/5 2025 12 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 Monday Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday (PBUH) December 1, 2025 17 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 Monday Commemoration Day December 2, 2025 18 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 Tuesday UAE National Day December 3, 2025 19 Rabi al-Awwal 1447 Wednesday UAE National Day

Read: How to turn 18 days’ leave into 51 days off in the UAE in 2025

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has announced traffic disruptions for the Dubai Marathon 2025, which will take place on Sunday, January 12.

Thousands of athletes are expected to participate in one of the city’s most prestigious sporting events, which is set to begin at 6am and conclude by 1pm.

The marathon, known for its flat and fast course, attracts elite athletes from around the world and features multiple race categories, including the full marathon, a 10K race, and a 4K fun run.

The event is a fixture in the international athletics calendar, frequently setting records and offering substantial prize money for top finishers.

Road closures on January 12 during the race

The RTA has outlined the following road closures and traffic management measures for the event:

• Umm Suqeim Street (between Al Wasl Street and Jumeirah Street) will be closed to traffic starting at midnight on January 12.
• Traffic management will be in place along the race route, with designated vehicle crossing points on Jumeirah Street and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street.
• Once the elite runners have passed, a lane will be opened on both Jumeirah Street and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, in coordination with Dubai Police.

Alternate routes for residents

Drivers in areas affected by the race, including Umm Suqeim, Al Sufouh, and Dubai Media City, are advised to plan alternative routes in advance.

The RTA also urges residents to set out early to avoid congestion and ensure a smooth journey during the event.

Dubai Metro extended hours

To accommodate the increased number of marathon participants and spectators, Dubai Metro will operate with extended hours on the day of the event. Metro services will begin at 5am, three hours earlier than usual, to provide convenient access to and from marathon-related areas.

The RTA encourages runners and spectators to use the metro to avoid road congestion and ensure timely arrival at the event.

Dubai Marathon race route details

The marathon will start at Madinat Jumeirah in Umm Suqeim, with various race categories following different routes:

The four-kilometre fun run will stretch up to just before Al Sufouh and loop back to Madinat Jumeirah.

The 10-kilometre race will pass key landmarks, including Dubai College, One&Only Royal Mirage, and Dubai Internet City, before returning to the starting point.

The 42.195-kilometre full marathon will cover a broader route, extending past Dubai Media City and Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, before completing two laps of the Jumeirah Beach Road section.

The RTA advises all drivers and attendees to stay informed and adjust their travel plans accordingly to ensure a smooth experience on race day.