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New WEF Report: A Path To Inclusive Economic Growth Through AI

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has released a new report that outlines how artificial intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to foster inclusive economic growth and societal progress. While AI holds immense potential to transform economies and societies, ensuring that its benefits are shared equitably remains a global challenge. The report offers practical strategies for leaders to address equity concerns, tailor AI solutions to local needs, and drive long-term, sustainable growth for all.

Nine Strategic Objectives

The report, titled Blueprint for Intelligent Economies, was developed in collaboration with KPMG. It outlines nine key strategic objectives that support every phase of the AI journey: innovation, development, deployment, and adoption at national, regional, and global levels. As part of the WEF’s AI Competitiveness through Regional Collaboration Initiative, the report tackles disparities in access to AI, infrastructure, advanced computing, and skills. It provides actionable insights and showcases successful case studies to help governments and other stakeholders at all AI maturity levels build more inclusive and resilient AI ecosystems worldwide.

AI Strategy For Inclusive Growth

The report emphasizes the importance of designing national and regional AI strategies that engage all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, entrepreneurs, civil society, and users. These strategies, backed by high-level leadership, should be developed in close collaboration with local communities. This approach is critical to addressing issues such as responsible governance, data privacy, and the local impact of AI policies on innovation and investment.

“The significant potential of AI remains largely untapped in many regions worldwide. Establishing an inclusive and competitive AI ecosystem will become a crucial priority for all nations,” said Solly Malatsi, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa. “Collaboration among multiple stakeholders at the national, regional, and global levels will be essential in fostering growth and prosperity through AI for everyone,” he added.

Tailored Frameworks And Collaboration

The report draws on global expertise and provides frameworks tailored to nations at various stages of AI development. While every region faces its unique challenges, the blueprint stresses the importance of adapting successful solutions from other regions. For example, regional frameworks for sharing AI infrastructure and energy resources can help overcome national resource limitations. Additionally, centralized databanks can create inclusive local datasets that reflect the diverse needs of communities. Public-private subsidies can widen access to affordable AI-ready devices, allowing local innovators to adopt AI technologies and scale their operations.

“All nations have a unique opportunity to advance their economic and societal progress through AI,” said Hatem Dowidar, CEO of E&. “This requires a collaborative approach of intentional leadership from governments, supported by active engagement with all stakeholders at every stage of the AI journey. Regional and global collaborations remain essential to address shared challenges and opportunities, ensuring equitable access to key AI capabilities and responsibly maximizing its transformative potential for lasting value for all,” he concluded.

Forbes Middle East Unveils 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen Of 2025

Forbes Middle East has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 ranking of the region’s top businesswomen, spotlighting influential leaders reshaping industries and driving meaningful transformation. The list was based on business size, individual accomplishments, leadership impact, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Top Spot For Hana Al Rostamani

For the third consecutive year, Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (UAE’s largest bank by assets), claims the top position. In addition to retaining her position in the Forbes Middle East ranking, she was also featured on Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, securing the 60th position globally. Under her leadership, the bank achieved an impressive $3.5 billion in net profits and $334.8 billion in assets in the first nine months of 2024.

Rising Stars In The Top 10

Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar of NBK Group and Shaista Asif, cofounder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, take the second and third spots respectively, completing the top three.

The top 10 remains largely unchanged from last year, with Tayba Al Hashemi of ADNOC Offshore, Alisha Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, and Suzanne Al Anani of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) making their debut in the top 10. In total, 27 new leaders have joined the list this year.

A Diverse And Powerful Group Of Women

This year’s list features 100 women from 32 sectors and 29 nationalities, underlining the diversity of talent driving the region’s progress. The banking and financial services sector leads with 25 entries, followed by healthcare and technology with nine each, and venture capital with five. Remarkably, 40% of the top 10 women are from the banking and financial services sector. Notably, Shaista Asif (PureHealth Holding) and Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare GCC) are the only non-Arab women in the top 10.

UAE Leads With 46 Leaders

The UAE continues to dominate, with 46 of the women on the list hailing from the country, solidifying its status as a global business hub. Egypt follows with 18 influential women, and Saudi Arabia claims nine entries. Egyptians lead in representation, followed by Emiratis and Lebanese women.

Empowering Women Through Initiatives

Several of the leaders have focused on upskilling and creating opportunities for women. Susana Rodriguez Puerta launched the ‘sAIdaty’ initiative in collaboration with the Dubai Business Women Council, aimed at providing 500 female council members in the UAE with AI skills. Similarly, Lamia Tazi of SOTHEMA collaborated with the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering to provide scholarships to PhD students from low-income backgrounds.

Click here for the full list.

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