In a move to enhance messaging productivity without compromising user privacy, WhatsApp has announced the rollout of “Writing Help,” an AI-powered feature aimed at making message composition smarter, more efficient, and stylistically versatile.

Designed to assist users in crafting messages that hit the right tone, whether professional, humorous, or supportive, Writing Help offers real-time suggestions based on user intent. The feature leverages advanced AI to refine messages, making everyday communication smoother and more expressive, a WhatsApp blog conveyed.

Read more-WhatsApp rolls out new features for businesses: How to benefit from them

But unlike many AI tools that come with trade-offs around data privacy, WhatsApp is positioning Writing Help as a privacy-first innovation. The feature is built on the platform’s proprietary “Private Processing” technology, which ensures that neither WhatsApp nor its parent company, Meta, can see original messages or AI-generated edits.

“This is about helping people say what they mean, in the way they want to say it,” said a WhatsApp spokesperson. “We believe AI can assist without sacrificing the core values of privacy and control.”

To use Writing Help, users simply begin typing in a one-on-one or group chat, then tap the new pencil icon to activate AI-powered suggestions. The system provides different tonal options, such as professional, funny, or supportive, allowing users to fine-tune their messages accordingly. Users can continue editing until they are satisfied, or opt not to use the feature at all.

Importantly, Writing Help is optional and disabled by default. WhatsApp emphasises that users remain fully in control of their messaging experience, and no data used in the process is stored or visible to any external party.

Strong emphasis on privacy

At the core of both Writing Help and WhatsApp’s broader AI strategy is Private Processing, a system designed to keep user data entirely on-device. WhatsApp has published technical documentation and blog posts detailing how Private Processing works and how it ensures end-to-end encryption is preserved throughout AI interactions.

To bolster trust, the company has also commissioned independent audits from cybersecurity firms NCC Group and Trail of Bits. These audits confirmed the system’s architecture meets high standards for security and does not expose user messages during AI processing.

“For those concerned about data privacy, this isn’t just marketing—it’s verified,” said a WhatsApp engineer familiar with the system architecture. “Private Processing represents a fundamental shift in how AI can be applied to messaging.”

Message summaries also rolling out

Writing Help isn’t the only AI-driven tool WhatsApp is introducing. Earlier this year in June, the company unveiled “Message Summaries,” another privacy-centric feature designed to help users quickly catch up on unread chats.

The feature provides a digest of messages that have piled up, especially in busy group chats or after hours away from the phone, without requiring users to scroll through each one. Like Writing Help, Message Summaries uses Private Processing to ensure that all content remains encrypted and inaccessible to WhatsApp or Meta.

The summaries are generated on-device and are not visible to others in the chat. They are designed for the individual user’s benefit and are never stored externally.

Users can further customise their experience through Advanced Chat Privacy settings, allowing them to specify which chats are eligible for summarization. As with other AI tools in WhatsApp’s ecosystem, Message Summaries is optional and disabled by default.

Limited rollout, global expansion planned

Currently, both Writing Help and Message Summaries are being rolled out in English for users in the United States and a handful of other select markets. WhatsApp plans to expand availability globally and support more languages in the coming months.

The launch signals a broader shift in WhatsApp’s product strategy, incorporating AI in ways that enhance usability without compromising its core promise of private, secure communication.

By introducing optional, privacy-focused tools like Writing Help and Message Summaries, WhatsApp is looking to redefine the role of AI in messaging, not as a surveillance risk, but as a discreet assistant.

As competition intensifies among messaging platforms to offer smarter features, WhatsApp’s approach could set a new benchmark for balancing intelligence with integrity.

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its ambitious Vision 2030 transformation, Gulf Business has unveiled the full agenda and speaker roster for the upcoming Saudi Business and Investment Summit, set to take place on September 3, 2025, at the Sheraton Riyadh Hotel & Towers (location map).

The summit will bring together senior government representatives, global executives, and regional business leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving economic landscape. With a focus on innovation, regulatory reform, public-private collaboration, and strategic investment, the event aims to serve as a premier platform for companies looking to enter or expand in Saudi Arabia.

Agenda highlights

The half-day programme is designed to provide both local and international businesses with actionable insights into the Saudi market:

• 09:00 – 10:00 | Registration & Networking
  Delegates will connect over coffee and light refreshments before the sessions begin.

• 10:00 – Welcome Remarks
  Opening by Manish Chopra, Publisher, Gulf Business, followed by Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business.

• 10:10 – Opening Keynote
  Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, will set the stage with an address on Saudi Arabia’s role as a hub for global business growth.

• 10:20 – 10:50 | Majlis Part 1: Saudi’s Economic Transformation – Progress and Priorities
  Moderated by Annabelle Mander, EVP, Tahaluf, this discussion will assess progress towards Vision 2030 goals and sectoral transformation.
  Speakers include:

  • Saud Adham, Director of Policy & Innovation, Ministry of Culture, Saudi Arabia

  • Abhay Bhargava, Managing Director, Frost & Sullivan Middle East

  • Turki Alsubaihi, CEO Public Transport, SAPTCO Group

  • Patrick Samaha, Partner, Public Sector Practice, Kearney MEA

• 11:00 – 11:30 | Majlis Part 2: Saudi’s Economic Transformation – Next-Phase Opportunities
  A forward-looking conversation on new growth areas and sector-specific opportunities, moderated by Gareth van Zyl.
  Speakers include:

  • Jasem Alanizy, Partner, Corporate Finance, Addleshaw Goddard

  • Osama AlZoubi, Vice President, Phosphorus Cybersecurity

  • Seton Vermaak, Principal Consultant, MRM MENAT

  • Javier Carinena, Principal, Kearney MEA

  • Najla Najm, Middle East Careers Leader, Mercer

• 11:40 – 12:10 | Panel: The International Perspective on Doing Business in Saudi Arabia
  Global executives share practical insights on operating in the Kingdom.
  Moderator: Ravi K Ranjan, Founder & CEO Silk Route, Ex-Curator & Business Advisor Shark Tank India.
  Speakers include:

  • Maher Abou Nasr, MD, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Saudi Arabia

  • Main Canaan, GM, GE Aerospace Middle East

  • Dr Goetz Kuras, Partner, Arthur D. Little

  • Tarek Miknas, CEO, FP7McCann MENAT

  • Hadeel Biyari, Partner, KSA Indirect Tax Controversy Leader, Deloitte Middle East

• 12:20 – Gamechanger Awards
  Special recognition of standout contributions driving business and innovation in the Kingdom.

• 12:30 – Closing Remarks
  Gareth van Zyl, Group Editor, Gulf Business, will wrap up the day’s discussions.

• 12:40 – 14:00 | Networking Lunch
  An opportunity for delegates to connect, share insights, and explore collaborations.

Driving regional conversations

The summit reflects Gulf Business’ commitment to spotlighting the Kingdom’s transformation and providing a meaningful platform for dialogue between the public and private sectors. With Saudi Arabia cementing its position as a global investment hub, the event is poised to deliver critical insights for businesses navigating its dynamic market.

For more information on the Saudi Business and Investment Summit or to register interest, visit:
👉 Register interest to attend
👉 View agenda

Marking this year’s theme, Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years, Emirati Women’s Day highlights the strides women have made across every sector of national life.

From finance and sustainability to science, technology, and security, Emirati women across all sectors and stages of their career are no longer just participating but leading, turning ambition into action and influence into impact. Their journey reflects a powerful blend of tradition and innovation, rooted in community and propelled by vision, as they continue to shape the UAE’s future and extend their influence onto the global stage.

Here, dynamic women – from students to heads of departments – share their views.

Amina Taher, chief marketing officer at Wio Bank

Emirati Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made and the responsibility we carry to keep moving forward. Over the past decade, Emirati women have not only stepped into new spaces, but they’ve also reshaped them. We’ve moved from participation to influence, from presence to leadership, and what’s most inspiring is how this evolution has been rooted in community: women lifting each other, sharing knowledge, and building legacies together.

Today, we see Emirati women leading in boardrooms, launching startups, and mentoring the next generation – not as exceptions, but as a growing norm. This journey is not just societal, it’s personal. I think of my grandmother, my mother, and my daughter – three generations whose strength, wisdom, and hope have shaped how I see the world. The journey ahead is about deepening that impact, ensuring every woman has the tools and confidence to turn ambition into action, and stories into strength. And at the heart of that journey is financial independence, because when women understand and own their financial power, they unlock the freedom to shape their own futures.

Shorouk Al Redha, chief people officer, Aldar Education

This day is one of reflection. I greatly admire the leadership of our nation — not only for what has been achieved, but for the clear and inspiring trajectory we are on. We have witnessed a transformative leap in the role of women in our society, and that gives me immense pride. My advice to young Emirati women is: do not underestimate the privilege you hold in this country.

As a female in this country, we enjoy a level of equality, respect, right and opportunities that are definitely better than many countries.

Take ownership of the impact you wish to make in our society, and each one of you has significant impact to make.

Zainab Al Ali, director of Outreach and Stakeholder Relations at Masdar

Growing up in a nation where opportunities for women were rapidly expanding under the UAE’s visionary leadership, I understood early on that ambition paired with purpose could deliver both personal and national transformation.

I joined Masdar in 2009 and realised that the energy transformation could not succeed without preparing a generation of young people to lead it. Through Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S), a platform designed to turn curiosity into capability and potential into leadership, we’ve empowered more than 41,000 young people through workshops, mentorships, innovation labs and global forums, building a community of changemakers equipped to drive the green economy.

Someone believed in me when I was just starting out. Now, I carry that forward by believing in others.

Mariam Al Shamsi, sustainability officer at ARAMEX

Emirati women have come a long way in shaping the future of our nation. Today, we see women leading across government, business, science, sustainability, and more. Contributing not only to the growth of the UAE but also inspiring the region with their resilience and ambition. Compared to the generations before us, opportunities have expanded tremendously, and with them, the belief that women can and should play a central role in driving progress.

Furthermore, one of the most positive drivers of this journey has been the unwavering support of our leadership, who have invested in empowering women through education, workplace equality, and national strategies that place women at the heart of development.

Equally, the encouragement from our communities and families has allowed Emirati women to balance tradition with innovation, bringing their voices to international platforms with confidence.

In my own journey, working as a sustainability officer at ARAMEX and leading the recycling project has shown me how Emirati women bring compassion, determination, and creativity to building a greener future. This unique blend of values and vision is what continues to push us forward. The coming decades will see more Emirati women not just participating but leading meaningful change on the global stage, and I believe we are already seeing this today.

Salamah Almazrouei, MBZUAI Robotics master’s student

As an Emirati woman pursuing a master’s degree in robotics, I see how women are stepping into fields that will define the future. Robotics and AI are shaping industries from healthcare to security, with the global AI market expected to exceed $1tn by 2030. For me, choosing this path is also about showing younger Emirati women that they have a place in these sectors. Opportunities have grown significantly.

Today, Emirati women make up 61 per cent of STEM graduates in UAE universities, and many are leading groundbreaking research and projects. The shift is clear: women are now at the forefront of shaping the UAE’s technology landscape.

Zainab Aldhanhani, MBZUAI Computer Vision master’s student and computer engineer

Studying computer vision has shown me how powerful this field is for solving real-world problems. Whether predicting oil spill risks or tackling online misinformation, the applications of AI directly support national priorities. The computer vision market alone is projected to grow at over 25 per cent annually, and being part of that progress is both exciting and urgent.

What has changed most is visibility. Emirati women are now seen presenting at global conferences, winning research awards, and contributing to the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. Government statistics show that women account for over half of science and engineering graduates, creating a strong pipeline of talent. Personally, representing the UAE in international leadership programmes has shown me how much our contributions are valued. This visibility matters, it encourages more young women to follow the same path.

Amna Alhammadi, MBZUAI Machine Learning master’s student and researcher

Emirati women today are contributing to some of the most critical areas in technology and science. While AI’s technical possibilities are exciting, I’m most inspired by how it intersects with sustainability, finance, and diplomacy. AI is projected to contribute more than $320bn to the Middle East economy by 2030, and I see its potential to help address challenges such as carbon neutrality and biodiversity conservation.

Emirati women today are contributing to some of the most critical areas in technology and science, and I’m proud to be among them.

Today, Emirati women are active leaders in conversations that link AI to global challenges. We now have role models across academia, industry, and policy who prove that these careers are both possible and impactful. For the next generation, I see no limits to what Emirati women can achieve in tech and science.

Read: Emirati Women’s Day honours innovators, heroes, says Miral’s CHRO

As the UAE celebrates Emirati Women’s Day, I carry a great sense of pride as I reflect on my own personal journey as an Emirati woman and the boundless horizons that lie ahead. It is a powerful reminder of vision, progress, resilience, and unwavering community support, befitting of this year’s theme ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years‘ – a milestone marking five decades since the establishment of the General Women’s Union in 1975.

The significance of Emirati Women’s Day serves as a vital reminder of the remarkable achievements of Emirati women from all walks of life, celebrating their contributions to the nation’s prosperity and its global standing. It’s a day to honour the trailblazers who paved the way, the everyday heroes who embody the spirit of our nation and the innovators who are shaping our future.

Our journey of empowerment is intertwined with the visionary leadership that has guided the UAE since its inception. The belief of the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in the capabilities of women is a foundational principle that has been a steady compass to this day, viewing women as partners in the nation’s success.

Empowerment through education

At the heart of this transformative journey lies education. The UAE’s unwavering commitment to empowering women through education has been a cornerstone of its development. In 1952, the nation’s first girls’ school, Al Zahra, was established in Sharjah, cultivating pioneering Emirati women, including Dr Ayesha Al Sayyar, the former Deputy Minister of Educational Activities and the first woman in the UAE to earn a doctorate.

Building on these crucial beginnings, the importance of education continues to be championed by the enduring vision of HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, ‘Mother of the Nation’ and an inspiration to Emirati women. Her unwavering advocacy for women’s education and rights has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for women’s advancement in the UAE, including her pivotal role in launching Emirati Women’s Day itself.

The opening of Zayed University in 1998 marked another pivotal moment in the UAE’s efforts to promote the progression of Emirati women. This unwavering resolve to learning has unlocked doors, broadened perspectives, and equipped generations of Emirati women with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel on the global stage.

Breaking career barriers

Today, the increasing presence and profound impact of Emirati women across all sectors is undeniable. From the halls of government to the dynamic world of private enterprise, the intricate complexities of STEM fields, the burgeoning tourism industry and the vibrant expressions of arts and culture, Emirati women continue to take the spotlight.

Groundbreaking Emirati women, such as Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi (the first Emirati woman to assume a ministerial post as Minister of Economy in 2004) and Dr Amal Al Qubaisi (the first Emirati woman elected to the UAE’s Federal National Council in 2006 before becoming its president in 2015), amongst many others, are at the forefront of innovation, driving economic growth, and shaping policy.

We are witnessing a powerful shift as Emirati women are demonstrating exceptional leadership and expertise in roles that once seemed unimaginable, including significant global roles. A prime example is the recent appointment of Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais as the first female secretary-general of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), a testament to the calibre and international recognition of Emirati female leadership.

Mentorship and support systems

The role of mentorship cannot be overstated. It is through the invaluable wisdom and guidance offered by those who have navigated challenges that we truly learn from their successes and lessons in reaching our full potential. Furthermore, the broader societal and familial support structures within the UAE, coupled with progressive government policies, create a unique ecosystem that enables women to pursue their ambitions. The emphasis on work-life balance, the provision of childcare facilities, and the cultural appreciation for women’s multifaceted roles all contribute to an environment where professional aspirations can flourish alongside personal responsibilities.

As an Emirati woman, my role in nurturing talent at Miral and fostering an environment where everyone can thrive is deeply personal. It is gratifying to see individuals excel, knowing that their unique skills, varied perspectives, and unwavering drive are key contributors to our collective development and triumphs; guiding them on their individual paths is a privilege and an honour.

The journey of progress is continuous. With the unwavering support of our leadership, the strength of our community, and the inherent drive of Emirati women, there is no limit to what we can achieve. Together, hand in hand, I hope we continue to shape a future where every Emirati woman can realise her fullest potential and contribute to a nation that stands as a beacon of growth and opportunity for all.

Mariam Al Musharrekh is the CHRO at Miral.

Read: Women in AI is a strategic advantage for UAE, says TII’s Dr Najwa Aaraj

Marking this year’s Emirati Women’s Day 2025 theme, Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years, startAD at NYU Abu Dhabi has been highlighting women who have been driving the UAE’s innovation journey.

Since 2022, the Emirati Women Achievers campaign, by startAD at NYU Abu Dhabi, has recognised and celebrated more than 100 inspiring Emirati women who are furthering the UAE’s innovation mandate in their roles as entrepreneurs, investors, corporate and government professionals, and advocates for innovation.

Here, five of startAD’s Emirati Women Achievers 2024, speak about what it means to them to be recognised and what the theme Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years means to them.

Tala Al Ramahi, director at Office of Development Affairs,
Presidential Court

I represent the Mohamed bin Zayed Foundation for Humanity, an innovative philanthropy based in the UAE, dedicated to advancing human potential and opportunity. In this role, I work in service of the foundation’s mission to drive sustainable progress in global health and inclusive development, for the benefit of communities worldwide. I work with an incredible team to drive the foundation’s efforts to strengthen health systems, combat preventable diseases, and unlock opportunity for those who need it most.

As I have progressed in my career, my greatest joy and fulfilment have come from serving the UAE’s pioneering role in global development and from standing alongside communities around the world to help them thrive. This recognition is deeply humbling — not as a personal achievement alone, but as a reflection of the values instilled in me by my country and the generations of Emirati women who have paved the way. It reaffirms my commitment to giving back to the UAE, honouring its vision, and carrying forward its legacy of compassion, innovation, and leadership on the global stage.

Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years, this year’s theme is a powerful reminder of the collective journey we have taken as Emirati women, hand in hand with our nation’s leadership, over the past five decades. It speaks to the spirit of partnership, unity, and shared purpose that has shaped the UAE’s remarkable progress.

We stand today on the shoulders of trailblazers who defied limitations and redefined possibilities, and we carry that responsibility forward — to empower the next generation, to lead with courage and empathy, and to ensure that our contributions continue to uplift our nation and resonate far beyond our borders.

Nawal Al Hanaee, director of Future Energy department, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

As director of the Future Energy Department at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, my work focuses on accelerating the country’s transition to clean energy and shaping policies that support innovation and sustainability.

Being named as an Emirati Woman Achiever, through startAD at NYU Abu Dhabi, is a profound honour, which reflects our nation’s commitment to empowering women and inspires me to continue breaking barriers for the next generation.

This year’s theme, Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years, is a powerful reminder that progress is a collective journey. It honors the legacy of our founding mothers and fathers while reinforcing our shared responsibility to build a brighter, more inclusive future.

Dr Muna Alayyan, executive director, Saqr Hospital

As a hospital director and breast surgeon, my current focus lies in leading healthcare innovation and enhancing early cancer detection programmes across the UAE.

Being recognised as an Emirati Women Achiever by startAD at NYUAD is both an honour and a responsibility. It represents the legacy of strong Emirati Women and fuels my commitment to serve the community.

This year’s Emirati Women’s Day theme beautifully reflects our nation’s progress through unity, vision, and the vital role of women in shaping the future.

Maryam Sadiq, acting head of the Security Inspection Devices Department, Dubai Police

I am privileged to be the first Emirati female military engineer to be internationally certified in the maintenance and operation of airport security inspection systems. This is a field critical to both national and global aviation security. As part of the elite force within the General Department of Airport Security Dubai Police, I lead efforts to safeguard passengers, aircraft, and cargo using cutting edge technologies, while integrating AI and machine learning to elevate threat detection and inspection efficiency.

In parallel with my engineering role, I proudly serve as the first Emirati female military engineer to hold leadership positions in the UAE, Arab, and Asian Boxing Federations. I also represent the UAE as the official voting delegate in global boxing congresses roles historically dominated by men.

Breaking through these barriers was not only a personal triumph, but a national statement: Emirati women are equipped, empowered, and ready to lead with strength and purpose across every field, on every stage.

To be selected by startAD at NYUAD as an Emirati Woman Achiever is not merely a personal milestone; it is a tribute to every woman who dared to rise, and to a nation that believed in her potential. It symbolises the UAE’s unshakable commitment to empowering women to lead, innovate, and shape the future across all domains.

It is also a heartfelt message to every Emirati girl: Yes, I was the first to break through in this field, but you are the future. You are the force that will carry this legacy forward, expand its reach, and redefine what’s possible for the generations to come.

This year’s theme is a powerful reminder that our nation’s strength lies in unity between generations, between genders, and between vision and determination.

Together, we honour the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future hand in hand, just as Emirati women have always done, writing stories of leadership, breaking barriers, and building the future alongside their nation, every step of the way.

Marwa Al Mamari, specialist – Accident Prevention and Safety Recommendations, General Civil Aviation Authority

As an aerospace engineer and academic, my current focus lies in advancing aviation safety through artificial intelligence and inspiring the next generation through education.

I was also named as an Emirati Woman Achiever by startAD at NYUAD, which was both humbling and empowering as it reflects the vision of our leadership and the limitless potential of Emirati women.

This year’s theme, ‘Hand in Hand, We Celebrate 50 Years’, is a powerful reminder that our collective progress is rooted in unity, resilience, and shared ambition