ORA Developers has established its UAE headquarters at One Central, in Dubai’s central business district.

This move reinforces ORA Developers’ regional expansion while directly supporting the UAE’s vision for sustainable, future-ready urban environments that drive economic growth.

Founded by Engineer Naguib Sawiris, ORA Developers has a global portfolio spanning residential, hospitality, commercial, and entertainment.

With a land bank of over 76 million sqm, ORA Developers has a global portfolio spanning 17 projects across seven countries, with an estimated total sales value of over $45bn.

Industry forecasts indicate that the UAE’s real estate market is on a robust growth trajectory, with a projected increase in total market value from $704.25bn in 2024 to $1.08tn by 2030.

Engineer Naguib Sawiris, chairman and CEO of ORA Developers, emphasised the significance of the new headquarters.

He stated that establishing this regional hub is a step that aligns with the UAE’s long-term vision for urban development in a fast-evolving real estate landscape.

This hub strengthens their ability to deliver innovative, future-ready communities and allows them to integrate global best practices with the UAE’s dynamic market needs.

By prioritising nature, connectivity, and design, they are committed to shaping sustainable, well-balanced developments.

Their leadership team’s extensive experience and long-standing commitment have been instrumental in building their diverse portfolio, driving growth, and ensuring the successful execution of transformative projects, said Sawiris.

Since entering the UAE in 2023, ORA Developers has rapidly scaled its presence acquiring prime land, obtaining regulatory approvals, and laying the groundwork for transformative developments.

The company built its UAE team from the ground up-growing to nearly 94 employees, with plans to at least triple by the end of 2025. By combining local market expertise with a seasoned leadership team, ORA Developers has established a robust foundation for operational continuity and sustained growth.

Driving the UAE expansion a leadership team with expertise through development, sales, branding, marketing and finance. Khaled Morgan, chief development officer, ensures delivering unique and innovative urban experiences, while Ahmed Samir, chief human resources officer, drives talent acquisition in the UAE to support rapid scaling.

Expanding on this foundation, Tamer Fikry, chief sales officer, enhances investor engagement, Mohamed Sheta, chief financial officer, leads financial strategy, and Lana Sawiris, chief brand officer, alongside Rasha Georgy, chief marketing officer, shapes global positioning. Amr Abdelmoneim, chief technical officer, oversees engineering and execution, maintaining top industry standards.

The company will soon announce its major investment in the UAE: a 4.8 million square meter master-planned community located in Ghantoot.

This strategically positioned project, situated between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will feature 1.2km of prime Arabian Gulf beachfront. To ensure dedicated client and stakeholder engagement, the company will establish customer experience centers in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

ORA Developers is also a strategic investor in Discovery Dunes, a project by Discovery Land Company.

The ultra-luxury community is designed around a championship golf course by Tom Fazio. This project further validates ORA’s strategic investment decisions in the sector and the UAE market.

With its strengthened presence in the UAE, ORA Developers remains committed to creating forward-thinking, balanced communities that seamlessly integrate nature, connectivity, and modern infrastructure.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer an abstract construct; it’s actively reshaping the region’s public sector. But this transformation hinges on more than just adoption.

For governments to unlock AI’s full potential, it’s not just about implementing technology — it’s about doing so thoughtfully and strategically.

To truly harness AI’s potential and avoid pitfalls, governments must navigate a complex web of ethical considerations, data security imperatives, and the urgent need for workforce readiness.

Here are five key steps to ensure AI empowers societies, strengthens governance, and enhances public services.

1. Define a clear vision for AI integration

A successful AI strategy starts with a strong vision. Governments need to go beyond isolated projects and adopt a holistic approach that aligns AI initiatives with national priorities – whether it’s improving healthcare, streamlining public services, or boosting economic resilience.

Take public services like tax processing or healthcare administration. AI can speed up tasks, reduce errors, and improve citizen experiences. But success isn’t just about efficiency – it’s about impact. Governments should set clear, measurable goals, such as reducing service wait times or improving citizen satisfaction.

This vision must also be supported by cross-agency collaboration, so AI solutions work seamlessly across different departments, rather than in silos. When governments lead with a clear AI vision, they build public trust and show that AI is here to serve, not replace, people.

2. Establish ethical AI frameworks

AI can only be as good as the values it’s built on. Public trust in AI depends on fairness, transparency, and accountability. To build ethical AI systems, governments should:

• Reduce bias: AI models must be trained on diverse, representative datasets to prevent discrimination.
• Ensure transparency: AI-driven decisions must be explainable, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare, law enforcement, and public benefits.
• Create strong oversight mechanisms: AI governance should be aligned with privacy laws and democratic values, as seen in frameworks like the EU AI Act.

Ethical AI isn’t just about compliance – it’s about trust. Citizens should feel confident that AI decisions are fair, clear, and in their best interests.

3. Strengthen data security and AI-ready infrastructure

AI relies on data, and that data must be secure. Without strong safeguards, governments risk exposing sensitive citizen information to cyber threats or external influence. To protect national security and maintain AI sovereignty, governments must:

• Invest in AI-ready infrastructure: This includes high-performance computing (HPC), secure cloud environments, and edge AI solutions that process data within national borders.
• Ensure data sovereignty: Governments should prioritize local AI infrastructure, reducing dependency on foreign tech providers. Companies like Core42 in the UAE are already advancing sovereign cloud solutions to maintain data control.
• Implement strong data governance policies: Governments need clear regulations to dictate how data is collected, stored, and used responsibly.

By securing infrastructure and enforcing strong governance, governments can harness AI without compromising data sovereignty or public trust.

4. Upskill the public sector workforce

For AI to succeed, people must be prepared to work alongside it. A tech-savvy public sector is no longer optional – it’s essential. To build an AI-ready workforce, governments should focus on:

• Training and reskilling programmes: Equip the public sector workforce with the skills to leverage AI tools effectively in their daily roles.

• Recruit AI specialists: Fill talent gaps with experts like data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI ethicists.

• Foster a culture of innovation: Encourage experimentation with AI tools to improve effectiveness and discover new applications.

A 2025 Emerging Technologies Adoption Readiness Index found that Saudi Arabia’s public sector has a 74.69 per cent readiness rate for AI and emerging technologies. As AI adoption accelerates, governments that prioritise workforce readiness will lead the way in digital transformation.

5. Build sovereign AI ecosystems through public-private collaboration

AI innovation flourishes in vibrant ecosystems where governments, businesses, and academia collaborate. Strong public-private partnerships can drive research, spur entrepreneurship, and ensure that local priorities guide development. Governments can take several steps to develop sovereign AI ecosystems:

• Support local AI startups and R&D: Invest in businesses and research institutions working on solutions tailored to national priorities.
• Introduce regulatory sandboxes: Provide safe environments for controlled testing of AI applications before their full-scale deployment.
• Encourage knowledge-sharing: Foster collaboration between public and private sectors to break down silos, share expertise, and accelerate progress.

By developing homegrown AI capabilities, governments can reduce reliance on foreign tech providers, fortify national security, and create self-sustaining ecosystems. These efforts ensure that public sector AI remains a tool for empowerment, not dependence.

By investing in homegrown AI capabilities, governments can create self-sustaining AI ecosystems that reduce reliance on foreign technologies and ensure national security.

Shaping the future of AI: A collective responsibility

Sovereign AI is more than just technology – it’s a commitment to governance, ethics, and citizen empowerment. Governments must lead in shaping AI with a clear vision, strong ethical foundations, and collaboration between public and private sectors.

By doing so, AI can become a force for societal progress and economic resilience. The time to act is now — let’s shape AI to serve the public good and build a resilient digital economy.

The writer is the SVP CEEMETA at Dell Technologies.

In a decisive move to reshape the global healthcare event landscape, Informa Markets unveiled WHX, a unified brand platform succeeding the long-standing Arab Health, earlier this year.

The announcement, made at the 50th-anniversary edition of Arab Health, represents a transformative vision for the next 50 years of global healthcare collaboration and innovation, highlighting Dubai’s role as a global hub for medical advancement.

Designed to reflect the needs of a fast-evolving sector, WHX consolidates Informa’s international healthcare events under one vision and expands into new thematic domains — most notably with the launch of WHX Tech, set to debut in Dubai in September.

More than just a rebrand

The transition from Arab Health to WHX marks more than just a rebrand. It represents a strategic overhaul to better serve a healthcare ecosystem increasingly defined by technological convergence, data-driven solutions, and global collaboration. WHX positions itself as a platform not just for conversation, but for action — bringing together clinical leaders, healthtech pioneers, investors, and policymakers from across the world.

Solenne Singer, senior vice president for Informa Markets, said, “WHX Tech is where innovation in digital health comes to life.”

“Designed to spark breakthroughs, this event goes beyond showcasing new technologies—it’s about turning ideas into actionable solutions that address the real-world challenges facing global healthcare. As demand grows for more curated, content-driven, and forward-looking experiences, WHX Tech stands at the forefront, providing a platform for ideas to become investments and technologies to become care.

“We’re not just reflecting on where healthcare is heading; we’re actively shaping its future. Dubai is a global capital for healthcare transformation, and WHX Tech is where the world’s leading thinkers, builders, and disruptors will converge to chart the next decade of digital health. We’re proud to offer a platform that connects ambition with opportunity at a global scale,” Singer added.

Under the WHX umbrella, the healthcare industry gains access to a globally integrated suite of events designed to address sector challenges and accelerate innovation.

The brand’s flagship event, WHX Dubai (formerly Arab Health), continues its legacy as a key global gathering, while new verticals such as WHX Labs Dubai, WHX Leaders and WHX Tech signal a broader commitment to specialised, future-facing programming.

WHX is designed to be more than a physical destination. It is an ecosystem for health transformation, purpose-built to unite diverse stakeholders, from clinicians and technologists to regulators and startup founders.

Each component of WHX is curated to inspire measurable outcomes — whether through partnerships, investment, or implementation of emerging solutions.

Health innovation to take centre stage at WHX Tech

The most anticipated development within the WHX rollout is WHX Tech, a dedicated digital health and innovation platform launching September 8–10, 2025, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Developed in partnership with global health technology authority HIMSS, WHX Tech reflects the growing urgency around digital transformation in healthcare systems worldwide.

Designed to spotlight emerging solutions in AI, data analytics, cybersecurity, and medical deep tech, WHX Tech will feature over 300 exhibitors, a curated conference programme, live demonstrations, and a startup competition called XCELERATE, offering a share of a $50,000 prize fund.

“At WHX Tech we are proud to be showcasing our traqpharma traceability platform, demonstrating how we are transforming national healthcare systems by eliminating counterfeits and shortages,” said Jihad Tayara, CEO of EVOTEQ.

“We’ll be discussing how AI, interoperability, and digital innovation are shaping the future of healthcare,” added Sam Amory, managing director at Dedalus AMEA. “At Dedalus, we’re committed to enabling smarter, more connected healthcare systems.”

Expert-driven, content-rich programming

WHX Tech will be guided by an advisory board of globally respected healthcare leaders.

Among its members are Dr David Rhew, global chief medical officer and VP of Healthcare at Microsoft; Dr James Mault, CEO of BioIntelliSense; Dr Sam Shah, digital health advisor and director of the Office of Healthcare Data Management, NEOM (UK); Dr Myriam Fernández, head of Health Innovation at Amazon Web Services (AWS) EMEA; Reenita Das, senior partner and SVP – Healthcare & Life Sciences, Frost & Sullivan; and Dr Tamara Sunbul, strategic advisor for Digital Health in Saudi Arabia.

Their insights will shape content across three major stages at WHX Tech.

WORLD X will focus on global perspectives in digital health, featuring case studies and strategies for digital adoption from across continents. FUTURE X will spotlight cutting-edge innovation in diagnostics, personalised medicine, and biotechnology, and will also host XCELERATE, the region’s largest startup competition. XCELERATE itself will serve as a hub for investment and entrepreneurial collaboration, connecting high-impact start-ups with capital and scale-up opportunities.

The event will also host conferences featuring leading industry experts, including Frost & Sullivan’s Das; AWS’ Dr Fernández; Dr Mussaad Al Razouki, operating partner Deerfields Management; Vidith Phillips, director of Industry Relations and clinical AI researcher, Johns Hopkins Medicine; and surgeon, teacher and futurist Professor Shafi Ahmed.

Reflecting the ongoing transformation of healthcare

The launch of WHX and WHX Tech comes at a time of significant transformation in healthcare. Ageing populations, rising costs, and growing demand for personalised care are pushing systems to innovate. Technology — especially AI, remote monitoring, and genomics — offers new solutions, but also demands new platforms for shared learning and integration.

“With WHX Tech, we are creating a dedicated platform to bring together the brightest minds and the latest digital health innovations,” said Singer. “This is about addressing critical challenges and defining the future of healthcare.”

Ronan O’Connor, HIMSS vice president and MD of EMEA echoed the sentiment. “WHX Tech aligns with the HIMSS mission to reform the global health ecosystem through information and technology. By connecting stakeholders across the spectrum, we’re building a community where innovation improves care delivery and patient outcomes.”

WHX calendar and key events

The WHX transition and the scope of the changes — in event strategy, brand philosophy, partnerships, and structure — points to a foundational rethink. Rather than a single-event rebrand, WHX has evolved into a strategic ecosystem responding to real-world challenges and opportunities in healthcare.

WHX’s broader calendar now includes WHX Dubai, the flagship gathering evolving Arab Health’s legacy with expanded programming and international reach; WHX Labs Dubai, formerly Medlab Middle East and now aligned under the WHX umbrella; and WHX Tech, the digital health and innovation platform for a rapidly evolving world.

Together, these events represent a cohesive response to a healthcare industry in flux — bringing clarity, structure, and focus to a diverse global audience.

Saudi Arabia launched a campaign on April 17 to attract foreign talent to its Special Economic Zones (SEZs) through a range of incentives and tax exemptions.

According to a report in the Saudi Gazette, the initiative aims to boost the Kingdom’s investment appeal.

The campaign includes tax and customs exemptions, streamlined visa issuance, and financial equivalence exemptions for foreign professionals.

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This initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Economic Cities and Special Zones Authority (ECZA), the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Strategic partnerships

The campaign highlights ECZA’s strategic partnerships with key Saudi government bodies to offer targeted incentives and regulatory benefits for investors in the Kingdom’s SEZs. These collaborations reflect ECZA’s commitment to creating a transparent and simplified regulatory environment that supports high-quality investments.

“We are working closely with various government entities to activate a suite of attractive investment incentives, such as tax exemptions and streamlined labor regulations, positioning SEZs as a competitive and promising destination for investors,” said ECZA Secretary General Nabil Khojah, emphasizing the importance of these partnerships.

Khojah also noted that the new measures are designed to enhance operational efficiency and reduce the regulatory burden for both new and existing investors.

Key collaborations

Among the key collaborations is an agreement with the Ministry of Justice and the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration to establish dedicated arbitration and reconciliation centers within SEZs. These centers will operate according to international best practices to enhance legal certainty and improve dispute resolution for businesses.

Streamlining compliance

ECZA has also partnered with the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) to streamline compliance procedures and facilitate the entry of products and services into the Saudi market.

To support digital transformation, ECZA is enhancing integration across government platforms by activating data-sharing mechanisms and expanding its One-Stop-Shop portal. This platform connects investors with all relevant regulatory entities, expediting licensing and operational processes.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will provide free bus services to transport visitors from Energy Metro Station to the Church Complexes in Jebel Ali during the Easter celebrations, from April 18 to 20, between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM.

According to a tweet on the authority’s official account on X, visitors can also easily reach the churches located in Oud Metha by taking a short walk from Oud Metha Station.

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This initiative aligns with the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership to foster coexistence, tolerance, and harmony within society. It also reflects the RTA’s commitment to engaging with Dubai’s diverse communities.

The RTA has also recently launched the pilot operation of a new electric bus on Route F13, a metro feeder service. The route starts from Al Quoz Bus Depot and passes through key destinations including Burj Khalifa, The Palace Downtown Hotel, and Dubai Fountain, before terminating at the Dubai Mall Metro Bus Stop (South).

The electric bus features cutting-edge technologies, including advanced high-definition camera and screen systems that replace traditional mirrors, and a transparent head-up display that projects essential driving information onto the front windscreen to enhance driver awareness. The vehicle also integrates a range of other state-of-the-art smart systems.

The RTA aims to operate smart, eco-friendly public transport supported by innovative technology, reinforcing its commitment to transforming all public transit into zero-emission mobility by 2050. This initiative ensures seamless and sustainable transportation across Dubai.

The bus is designed for Dubai’s unique environmental conditions and is equipped with modern specifications and smart technologies. These include a best-in-class air conditioning system and high-capacity batteries with 470 kWh of storage—the largest of any electric bus previously tested in the RTA’s fleet. When fully charged, the bus can travel up to 370 km. It is a 12-metre-long city bus with a total capacity of 76 passengers, including 41 seated and 35 standing.