Lyvely Named Official Audition Platform for ‘The Final Pitch: Dubai’

The Final Pitch, Asia’s longest-running business reality TV show, has announced that Lyvely, a UAE-based social media and monetisation platform, will be the official auditioning platform for startup applications ahead of its first Middle East edition, The Final Pitch: Dubai.

The first-of-its-kind partnership connects the region’s creator economy with its startup ecosystem, giving entrepreneurs a streamlined platform to pitch for funding, gain exposure, and grow.

With millions in funding raised across Asia, The Final Pitch is a high-impact televised pitch competition were founders pitch to top regional investors. Through Lyvely, the show hopes to introduce a more interactive experience – where audiences can follow, support and engage with entrepreneurs in real time.

“This partnership is a natural fit,” Farah Zafar, co-founder and CEO of Lyvely, said in a statement. “Lyvely is all about empowering creators and entrepreneurs to turn their passions into profit. The Final Pitch is where bold ideas meet real investment. Together, we’re building a bridge between inspiration, influence and impact.”

Meanwhile, John Aguilar, creator and host of The Final Pitch and Founder of Dragon’s Nest, LLC FZ, the business and media investment firm bringing the show to the region, added: “Partnering with Lyvely lets us extend the show’s impact beyond the screen. It’s a new layer of engagement for founders and audiences alike, and a powerful way to spotlight regional talent.”

The first Middle East edition (Dubai) will feature a new wave of startup founders, creator-led ventures and regional investors. With Lyvely powering applications, the show is set to redefine how businesses are pitched and funded in the digital age.

Applications to audition for The Final Pitch’s upcoming Dubai edition are officially open for UAE and non-UAE based international entrepreneurs looking to pitch their business. Here’s how to apply:

1. Create a Lyvely account at https://lyvely.com/creators/explore

2. Make a post on your Lyvely profile by uploading your pitch deck, teaser deck or elevator pitch video, and tag @Cyphercapital, @Lyvely and @TheFinalPitch.

3. Fill out and submit an online entry form to The Final Pitch via the official website: TheFinalPitch.world

The Final Pitch Dubai will see contestants pitch to a panel of top-tier investor-judges, including: Phoenix Group PLC co-founder Bijan Alizadeh, Harbor Real Estate CEO and Managing Partner Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya, Founding Partner of Incubayt Investments Ltd. Sami Khoreibi and Triliv Holdings founder Jigar Sagar – each bringing deep sector expertise and capital backing to the table.

The series is set to air exclusively on OSN and OSN+ in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Prince Khaled Backs Enhanced Games, Calls It “Ultimate Biohacking” Opportunity for Elite Athletes

The sports organization Enhanced Games announced that the inaugural Enhanced Games will take place on May 21-24, 2026, at Resorts World on the Las Vegas Strip.

At the heart of the Enhanced Games is the Performance Enhancement Protocol, a medically supervised, IRB-approved clinical framework that ensures all enhancements are safe, legal, and scientifically guided. Unlike traditional sporting bodies, Enhanced does not ban performance-enhancing substances but allows them with full transparency, safety, and medical oversight.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed discussed his interest in the Games. Calling it the “ultimate biohacking” opportunity for elite athletes, Prince Khaled said that his first interaction with the Enhanced Games took place at the 2024 Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh. The only regional investor in the games, Prince Khaled is part of a big name backer list including Peter Thiel, Balaji Srinivasan, and 1789 Capital, the investment fund of Omeed Malik, Chris Buskirk, and Donald Trump Jr.

Enhanced Games co-founders Dr Aron D’Souza and Christian Angermayer.

Each individual event will carry a total prize purse of US$500,000, with US$250,000 awarded to first place. Plus, Enhanced Games will offer appearance fees and bonuses, including US$1 million for breaking world records in the 100m sprint and 50m freestyle – the two definitive tests of raw human speed.

The latest in a string of headline-grabbing investments, Prince Khaled’s KBW Ventures is also the only regional investor in backed Colossal Biosciences, a biotechnology heavy-hitter with ambitions to “de-extinct” the woolly mammoth.

AED40+ Billion Financing Solutions, Talent Exchange Programs, and Spotlighting Emirati Women-Driven Innovation: Highlights from the Largest ‘Make it in the Emirates’ Forum Yet

Held across an expansive 68,000 square meters (sq.m.) wide exhibition space —five times larger than last year’s venue— ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’ has officially become the forum’s largest edition yet. Taking place at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from May 19-22, 2025, the event is organized by ADNEC Group and hosted by Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and ADNOC. This year’s theme has been titled “Advanced Industries. Accelerated”.

While initially predicted to attract more than 30,000 visitors over the four days, Omar Al Suwaidi, Under-Secretary of MoIAT, shared with Emirates News Agency (WAM) on May 21 that the forum had attracted over 58,000 visitors during its first two days itself.

^{Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT}

The third day of ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’ also saw the attendance H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence. “In the UAE, we are shaping a diversified, innovation-driven economy, led by skilled national talent and powered by cutting-edge global technologies,” Sheikh Hamdan shared in a post on social media platform X. “Our message to private sector partners around the world is clear: Invest, innovate and manufacture in the UAE. Dream big, achieve more, and expand globally from the UAE, where the future begins.”

^{H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, at ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’. Image courtesy: Dubai Media Office/WAM}

Indeed, through convening investors, manufacturers, and innovators the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum aims to celebrate and support the many high-value, growth opportunities in the UAE’s industrial landscape. In his opening speech, H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, highlighted the UAE’s ambition to lead global industrial transformation. Noting the UAE’s many strategic advantages —geographically, as well as in terms of infrastructure, financing and trade policies—H.E. Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the industry’s role in enabling resilience, job creation, and supply chain self-sufficiency. He also highlighted how the 27 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) signed by the UAE, provide manufacturers access to more than three billion consumers, further positioning the UAE as a global hub for industrial investment and production.

Building Momentum: AED40+ Billion Financing Solutions for the Industrial Sector

In December 2024, H.E. Dr. Al Jaber had revealed that the industrial sector’s contribution to the UAE’s gross domestic product (GDP) had surged by 57%, exceeding AED210 billion in value. It was later also revealed by the MoIAT that UAE industrial exports had increased by 63% and were anticipated to surpass AED190 billion. These numbers came out just months after the launch of ‘Operation 300bn’, the UAE’s industrial strategy which aims to raise the industrial sector’s contribution to the GDP to AED300 billion by 2031.

Aligning with this target, on the second day of the forum, H.E. Dr. Al Jaber oversaw the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the ministry and a number of the UAE’s leading national banks, including First Abu Dhabi Bank, Emirates NBD, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, and WIO Bank. These financing solutions exceed AED 40 billion, and are aimed at supporting the development and expansion of the UAE’s industrial sector. The MoUs are also intended to channel investments towards industry and advanced technology, offer tailored financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and strengthen strategic public-private partnerships.

^{Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT}

H.E. Omar Al Suwaidi, Undersecretary of MoIAT, was present at the signing and noted that these partnerships underscore MoIAT’s commitment to enabling financial access and innovation within the industrial sector. “These innovative financing solutions are designed to enable sustainable industrial growth, aligned with the UAE’s vision of a diversified, knowledge-based economy driven by innovation,” he said. “”We highly value the crucial role of national banks in enhancing the business environment and enabling industry access to flexible, impactful financial solutions. This reflects a robust synergy between the government and the financial sector in advancing the UAE’s economic resilience and sustainability.”

Diversity in Success: Highlighting the Contributions of Emirati Female Leaders

Elsewhere at the forum, a series of panel discussions and educational sessions brought forward conversations on empowering local talent, advancing industrial skills, and the vital role Emiratis play in shaping the future of the UAE’s industrial landscape. A high-level panel discussion titled “Makers, Innovators, and Game Changers: Emirati Women Shaping the Industrial Sector” –hosted by Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), the export financing arm of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), in collaboration with MoIAT– brought together Emirati female leaders from across the industrial ecosystem.

^{Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT}

The speakers included Dr. Alyazia Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of UAE Industries at Mubadala; Fatima Al Hammadi, Chief Commercial Officer at Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group; Eng. Yasmin Al Enazi, Director of the Industry X.0 Centre – Maxbyte Technologies; Mariam Al Jaberi, Head of Production at Strata Manufacturing; and Khuloud Al Nuaimi, Senior Director of Business Excellence at Emirates Food Industries. The discussion shed light on the growing role of Emirati women in driving sustainable development and industrial innovation, and explored ways to enhance their contribution through flexible financing tools and innovative solutions offered by ADEX.

In a separate statement, H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, the Director General of ADFD, noted that consistently empowering Emirati women in the industrial sectors is “both a national responsibility and a strategic priority” in order to achieve sustainable economic growth. “It is fundamental to realising the UAE’s long-term industrial vision,” H.E. Al Suwaidi added. “The success stories we see today of women leading innovation across manufacturing and technology reflect an ecosystem that recognises their potential and equips them with the tools required to compete and thrive on both local and global stages.”

The need to empower the women of the UAE was further brought to the forefront when the UAE Ministry of Culture signed several MoUs at the Handicrafts Exhibition with entities such as the General Women’s Union, Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts under the Emirates Red Crescent, the Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment part of the Fujairah Charity Association, and the Department of Antiquities and Museums – Ras Al Khaimah. Organizations like Al Ghadeer UAE Crafts are empowering women with heritage skills and transforming them into sustainable livelihoods.

Creating Synergy: Launch of Multiple Centers Across the Country Catered Towards Local Entrepreneurship, SMEs, and Talent Building

On the sidelines of ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025,’ MoIAT has signed an agreement with Thara Entrepreneurship Hub powered by Ajman Chamber to establish an Industry 4.0 Enablement Center at Thara’s headquarters in Ajman. The new hub is set to serve as a centre dedicated to supporting the adoption of advanced technology and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) solutions. It also aims to enhance innovation and industrial development in the UAE, aligning with its vision of a sustainable, knowledge- and technology–driven economy.

^{Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT and Thara}

Meanwhile, UAE-based telco giant e& signed a strategic agreement with Aleria, an IHC Group company, to provide artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions tailored for SMEs, enhancing operational efficiency and supporting adoption of next-generation technologies.

On day two of the forum, MoIAT announced the launch of the Startup Global Exchange Program 2025, an initiative connecting UAE-based and international startups with new markets, mentors, incubators, and investors. The first pilot will be launched with Japan —in September 2025 at the Osaka Expo, in partnership with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)— and will aim to help tech-driven startups expand their global footprint and scale solutions across borders. In October, the UAE will welcome Japanese startups for a reciprocal exchange, delivered in collaboration with national incubators and ecosystem partners. Startups selected for the Startup Global Exchange Program will receive immersive placements in innovation hubs, tailored mentorship, exposure to international customer bases, and connections with global investors and enterprise leaders Between 10 and 12 startups are expected to participate in each cycle.

^{Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT}

ADIO also launched a set of new talent development programs aimed at accelerating Emirati leadership across high-impact industrial roles. The initiatives align deeply with Abu Dhabi’s long-term industrial strategy, and are expected to equip the national workforce with critical capabilities in AI, Industry 4.0 and sustainable manufacturing. To bridge the gap between training and employment, ADIO has also partnered with the MoIAT to host an ‘Industrialists Career Fair’ during the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ Forum. With the aim of directly placing over 100 Emiratis into strategic roles within Abu Dhabi’s industrial sector, the initiative is part of a broader push to deepen national participation in the emirate’s economic transformation.

^{Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT}

Elsewhere, the MoIAT signed a strategic MoU with Airbus Africa and Middle East to advance the development of a domestic aerospace capability enhancement program. H.E. Al Suwaidi and Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa and the Middle East, signed the agreement which establishes a framework for long-term collaboration to support the UAE’s national industrial objectives, including supplier development, skills transfer, and integrating local companies into Airbus’s global value chain.

^{Image courtesy: Make it in the Emirates/MoIAT}

In The Spotlight: Local Innovations and Ideas Shine At ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’

Featuring more than 700 exhibitors and showcasing over 3,800 locally manufactured products, the forum has proven to be a pivotal launchpad for introducing and showcasing the progress made by UAE-grown industrial businesses.

One such startup has been W.O.N Technologies, an Emirati company specializing in industrial communications networks, computing, and internet of things (IoT) solutions. As a technology provider, W.O.N Technologies aims to unlock new growth and investment opportunities, confident that the event will help accelerate its ambition to lead the MENA region in industrial tech innovation.

Lootah Biofuels, which invests in waste-to-fuel innovation, is another example of homegrown ingenuity. Founded on the belief that waste can become a valuable resource, the startup’s first factory was entirely based on German technology, but its latest facility is now 90% locally developed.

Meanwhile, a special highlight of the Sharjah Pavilion at ‘Make it in the Emirates 2025’ has been the participation of SoiLab – Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park’s open innovation lab – which is showcasing its latest capabilities in advanced manufacturing using 3D printing technologies and smart materials. SoiLab is presenting practical solutions to manufacturers and investors to support traditional factories in their journey towards smart industrial transformation.

UAE’s Business-Centric HR Podcast -HR Sisters Podcast- Rebrands with a Fresh Local Voice

S&K HR Consulting, a UAE-born boutique HR consultancy founded by sisters Desma Rovina D’Souza and Elrona (Silba) D’Souza, has announced the rebrand of its podcast, the HR Sisters Podcast.

The podcast, available on Youtube, Apple Podcast and Spotify, provides clear, culturally nuanced HR advice to business owners navigating the UAE market.

“We grew up in the UAE, worked for multinational companies, and saw firsthand how challenging it can be for businesses to get HR right here,” says Desma D’Souza, co-founder of S&K. “Our podcast is an extension of our work, helping businesses build strong people practices from the ground up.”

Unlike typical HR conversations that focus solely on employees, this podcast tackles HR through the lens of business growth, structure, and compliance. It addresses the very real challenges companies face in their first 12 to 18 months, from hiring and onboarding to legal documentation and crisis management.

“We’re not just HR consultants, we’re business owners too,” adds Elrona (Silba) D’Souza. “We get that profitability, legal setup, and people management all go hand in hand. Everything we advise is designed to be implemented, even by someone without an HR background.”

Saudi Arabia’s AI-Driven Future: HUMAIN and the Path to Global AI Leadership

On May 13, 2025, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched HUMAIN, a national AI champion backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Headquartered in Riyadh, HUMAIN aims to be one of the world’s top AI companies by 2030. With over US$100 billion in planned investments, HUMAIN will develop foundational models, sovereign AI infrastructure, and nurture global partnerships, positioning the Kingdom as a leading force in ethical and impactful AI innovation.

Unlike traditional AI firms, HUMAIN is designed as a collaborative platform—building Arabic large language models (LLMs), driving digital sovereignty, and contributing to the global AI ecosystem. Its launch marks a transformative milestone for Saudi Arabia’s AI journey, reflecting the Crown Prince’s vision to elevate the Kingdom from an adopter to a global leader and creator in the field.

In the global race to harness artificial intelligence (AI), all eyes often turn to the usual suspects—mature markets like the United States, which continue to dominate the AI frontier. Yet, over the past two years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a standout story. Amid a sweeping social, cultural, and economic transformation, the Kingdom has rapidly positioned itself as a bold contender in AI adoption, attracting attention for the right reasons and challenging global perceptions of innovation in the Middle East.

The Kingdom isn’t just experimenting with AI—it is embedding it at the core of its transformation strategy. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) has earmarked US$40 billion to drive innovation, develop robust data infrastructure, and nurture startups. These investments reflect Saudi Arabia’s ambition to establish world-class AI capabilities and solidify its position as a global leader in technology-driven development.

Rooted in the ambitious Vision 2030, the Kingdom is dedicated to building a future that intertwines innovation, ambition, and purpose, through the diversification of its economy beyond oil. What makes this transformation unique is the scale and intent behind it. The NEOM project, a futuristic smart city that integrates AI, robotics and advanced data analytics to redefine urban living while prioritizing sustainability and innovation, is a symbolic example of this intent. Moreover, the introduction of “ALLaM,” an Arabic Large Language Model developed by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), enhances Arabic-language AI services and drives innovation across various sectors, including education and healthcare.

A multifaceted revolution

In Saudi Arabia, the integration of AI into public services and industries is not just about meeting the Kingdom’s ambitions—it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives. With 39% of government entities already using or experimenting with AI, and 81% of those reporting significant enhancements in service delivery, the transformative potential of AI is clear. From workforce management to urban planning, education, and traffic systems, AI is reshaping daily life and governance by streamlining key functions and delivering tangible benefits to citizens.

During the pandemic, the Saudi Ministry of Education introduced an AI-powered tool, to enhance learning outcomes. It continues to improve outcomes through personalized experiences and insights for students and teachers, serving as a foundation to prepare the next generation for an AI-driven economy.

AI is transforming urban development in Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing (MOMRAH) uses AI to predict housing demand, monitor urban growth, and optimize resources. By analyzing population data and migration trends, the Ministry ensures timely, well-planned developments supported by essential infrastructure like schools, hospitals, and transport networks.

Traffic management is another area where AI has made a significant impact. Advanced tools like drones for road inspections, thermal scanning for road conditions, real-time traffic monitoring, and adaptive signal control systems help optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance road safety, particularly during busy events like Hajj. These technologies have already reduced rush-hour delays in major cities.

In labour markets, platforms like Musaned—a Ministry of Labour-supported app for recruitment visa applications and tracking—ensure compliance with labour regulations. The Ministry of Human Resources also uses AI to address challenges such as unemployment and skill mismatches by analyzing employment trends and workforce participation, creating a dynamic and responsive labour market. Similarly, the Saudi Ministry of Justice uses AI to automate legal processes, reducing administrative burdens and improving accessibility for citizens.

What makes Saudi Arabia’s approach to AI adoption stand out is its holistic integration across all government entities. These use cases stem from the nation’s commitment to achieving two key goals under Vision 2030: building a vibrant society by continuously enhancing social infrastructure and simplifying access to essential services while creating a thriving economy by laying the foundation for economic diversification. For Saudi Arabia, this journey is as much about transforming systems as it is about improving lives—one innovation at a time.

Private sector must follow suit

While Saudi Arabia’s public sector has laid the foundation for AI adoption, the private sector holds the key to unlocking its full potential. With AI expected to contribute significantly to GDP, driven by a 29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the AI market, the private sector’s role in advancing this growth is undeniable. Yet, current readiness levels suggest there’s a gap between ambition and execution. A new study of MENA region CEOs by IBM found that 65% are accelerating AI adoption at a pace that may be uncomfortable for some in their organization. In Saudi Arabia, the figure climbs to 76%.

Entities like the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have pioneered AI-driven infrastructure in the public domain. Private giants such as Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and Saudi Aramco are beginning to mirror these efforts through investments in AI infrastructure. However, according to Cisco’s AI Readiness Index 2024, only 36 per cent of organizations in Saudi Arabia have prioritized AI in budget allocations, and just 42 per cent believe their organizations demonstrate a strong understanding of global data privacy standards. These figures highlight the need for the private sector to step up and close this readiness gap.

The risks of inaction are significant. Businesses that delay adopting AI risk inefficiencies, reduced market share, and an inability to meet the expectations of increasingly tech-savvy consumers. As the global economy becomes more AI-driven, companies failing to adapt will struggle to remain competitive.

What’s at stake goes beyond market leadership; it’s about driving innovation that impacts both businesses and society. The private sector has the unique ability to amplify AI’s impact by fostering startup ecosystems, accelerating product development, and integrating AI solutions into their operations. Through strategic collaborations with the public sector, businesses can contribute to building a cohesive AI-driven economy that delivers long-term value.

AI applications can transform industries by hyper-personalizing customer experiences, optimizing supply chains, and driving efficiency. These advancements not only boost profitability but also align with broader goals like job creation and sustainability.

The challenge now lies in shifting perceptions within the private sector. AI must be viewed as a strategic imperative, not a secondary investment. Companies that prioritize AI adoption will thrive in the short term and solidify their roles as key players in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—a vision centered on innovation and economic diversification.

The public sector has demonstrated how AI can create tangible benefits. The force is now in the hands of the private sector, which needs to rise to the challenge, follow suit, and ensure AI becomes central to Saudi Arabia’s transformation story.

Shaping the next frontier of AI transformation

As Saudi Arabia accelerates its AI transformation, the private sector stands at a crossroads of opportunity and responsibility. For enterprises, the path forward is clear: align with national initiatives, embrace innovation, and actively contribute to the Kingdom’s evolving AI ecosystem.

The journey to embedding AI effectively isn’t just about ambition—it’s about taking deliberate steps that yield measurable impact. Collaboration with the government is an essential starting point. Initiatives like HUMAIN allow businesses to join forces on AI-driven innovations. Aligning these strategies not only strengthens competitiveness but also positions companies as contributors to Vision 2030’s broader goals of economic diversification and sustainability.

Enterprises must also take full advantage of government-backed tools, AI infrastructure, and data-sharing initiatives. Participating in upskilling programs is equally important to bridge gaps in areas such as global data privacy standards, ensuring compliance and maintaining an edge in a rapidly evolving market. Beyond collaboration and education, businesses must embed AI into their operations strategically—not just to follow trends but to deliver measurable outcomes. For example, predictive maintenance in energy minimizes downtime, AI-driven fraud detection strengthens finance, and route optimization in logistics reduces costs and improves timelines. Viewing AI as a long-term enabler of efficiency and innovation will set businesses apart from those treating it as a mere checkbox.

Responsible AI adoption also requires balancing innovation with accountability. Adhering to the Saudi Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and the AI Adoption Framework enables businesses to mitigate risks such as data misuse and algorithmic bias. The PDPL enforces robust data governance and privacy measures to build trust, while the AI Adoption Framework promotes fairness, transparency, and ethics in AI deployment. Aligning with these regulations empowers businesses to foster trust and drive innovation responsibly, contributing to Vision 2030’s goals of sustainable and inclusive growth.

This dual approach—innovation with accountability—will be critical in ensuring that businesses thrive while aligning with the Kingdom’s vision for a tech-driven future.

Emirates Development Bank Announces Launch of AED1 Billion Emirates Growth Fund

Emirates Development Bank, the UAE government-owned financial institution, has announced the launch of the Emirates Growth Fund (EGF), an AED1 billion (US$272 million) growth equity platform designed to accelerate the scale and global competitiveness of UAE-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

With the Fund’s investments ranging between AED10 million ($2.72 million) and AED50 million ($13.6 million) per company, it is set to target UAE-based SMEs with strong growth potential and annual revenues typically starting from AED10 million ($2.72 million). EGF is thus expected to redefine growth capital for UAE SMEs, targeting companies that have outgrown early-stage funding but require flexible, long-term investment to unlock their full potential.

EGF is also expected to play a pivotal role in driving the UAE’s industrial transformation and advancing the goals of Operation 300bn, the national strategy to raise the industrial sector’s gross domestic product (GDP) contribution to AED300 billion ($81.7 billion) by 2031.

Furthermore, by combining minority equity stakes with active value creation, EGF empowers founders to scale sustainably, strengthen governance, and build national champions that will shape the UAE’s economic future. This also ensures that founders retain operational control while gaining strategic support in areas such as governance, growth strategy, operational optimization, and institutionalisation.

Chaired by Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, UAE Minister of Sports, the fund also has Najla Ahmed Al Midfa serving as Vice Chair and Managing Director. The EGF Board also includes Mariam Saeed Ghobash, Mohammed Huraimel Al Shamsi, Khalfan Juma Belhoul, Hassan AlSayegh, and Stephen Welton.

By focusing on priority sectors aligned with the UAE’ strategic goals, EGF is set to deepen the nation’s industrial base, enhance local supply chains, and stimulate high-skilled job creation, all critical pillars of long-term economic resilience.

Signalling immediate momentum, EGF unveiled its first investment in the healthcare sector through a partnership with Tarmeem Healthcare Holding LTD, marking the start of a portfolio aimed at delivering measurable impact and national value.

ICYMI: The Inaugural ‘Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit’ Revives the Discourse on Ethical and Responsible AI Development

Ethics in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), cross-border data governance, cybersecurity resilience, and post-quantum security were among the major topics of conversation during the inaugural Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit (GETS 2025), which was held in Abu Dhabi from May 5-6, 2025.

Launched under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the event was organized by the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) in strategic partnership with the UAE Public Prosecution.

The first-of-its-kind regional convention brought together 1,000 participants from more than 20 countries —including policymakers, legal experts, technologists, and youth leaders— with an aim to clearly define the frameworks for responsible governance of advanced technologies. Noteworthy dignitaries among the many high-level attendees at GETS 2025 included the Attorney General of Qatar, the Attorney General of Egypt, and the Deputy Attorney General of Oman.

The two-day event put a spotlight on the UAE’s position as a leading force in shaping responsible, inclusive, and forward-looking technology governance.

That sentiment was perhpas most evident during a keynote speech from Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. While addressing the audience, Olama underscored the UAE’s early investment in building a national AI ecosystem that prioritises flexibility, responsibility, and competitiveness. “Guided by visionary leadership, the UAE recognised early on the importance of artificial intelligence and the need to shape its future through bold action and responsible governance,” he said. “We have mobilised national capabilities, enacted forward-looking regulatory frameworks, and launched pioneering initiatives to stay ahead of rapid transformations and enhance our global competitiveness. The UAE’s approach is rooted in flexibility, global collaboration, and the development of technologies that empower societies and drive responsible innovation. This summit reflects our national commitment, providing a global platform to advance policy dialogue and build a balanced international framework for governing advanced technologies.”

^{Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications at GETS 2025. Image source: GETS}

Olama’s emphasise on innovating responsibly had earlier been highlighted by UAE Attorney General Chancellor Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, who decalred that “innovation without ethics is incomplete,” during his keynote address. “And the future of emerging technologies must be guided not only by advancement, but by a higher purpose—serving humanity and society,” he added.

Dr. Al Shamsi’s words hold added gravitas in the added knowledge that, during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025 in Davos earlier this year, the UAE government and WEF jointly launched the Global Regulatory Innovation Platform (GRIP)– a platform that aims to understand, evaluate, and design human-centered legislation that serves communities in an era of rapid technological and digital advancements.

During a high-level dialogue, Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology and Secretary-General of ATRC, reiterated this purpose-driven approach towards innovation by stating that, “Tech organisations must take some responsibility for the technologies they release. It cannot be that they issue it and let society deal with the consequences. This requires strong, ongoing collaboration between technology players and regulators.”

Backing up this conversation was Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet, who also shed light on the UAE’s long-term vision for governance. “Embedding responsible technology governance into national policy is not a short-term ambition,” Al Hammadi declared. “It is part of a broader commitment to shaping agile institutions, forward-looking legislation, and resilient societies capable of navigating the complexities of the digital age.”

^{Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet at GETS 2025. Image source: GETS}

Indeed, the notion that the right governance policies will eventually trickle into other entities in the UAE’s wider business landscape was vividly pointed out by Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, when she spoke about the critical role of AI in preparing future generations. During a panel discussion —which saw Al Amiri being joined by experts from fMohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Abundance Studio, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lameen Abdul-Malik— she noted that fundamental technological transformations, particularly within AI, require accelerated efforts to prepare students and empower them with the necessary tools to contribute to the advancement of society. This, she added, also requires establishing ethical frameworks related to these technologies, enabling them to maximize their benefits and applications in daily life. “Integrating AI concepts and tools into academic curriculum represents a strategic investment in building more resilient societies prepared for the demands of the future,” Al Amiri said, adding that that the education system in the UAE has worked to incorporate AI into its curricula, in a bid to stay future ready while also staying committed to anticipating the global education shifts and trends.

^{Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education at GETS 2025. Image source: GETS}

Similar sector-specific sessions delved into the role of AI in healthcare, civil defence, education, creative industries, and manufacturing. During one such session, Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of the Health Regulations Sector at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), along with representatives from NMC Healthcare and the Al Dhafra Youth Council, examined how governance frameworks must keep pace with the deployment of AI in clinical environments to ensure data protection and improved patient outcomes. In a separate session, leaders from Honeywell, BP, AIQ, and Coders Launchpad discussed the industrial transformation underway through smart manufacturing, and the safeguards needed to ensure responsible and secure deployment.

Separately, in a key session titled “From Vision to Empowerment: The Roadmap to Justice 2030”, Chancellor Salem Ali Al Zaabi, Head of Public Prosecution at the Office of the UAE Attorney General, presented the UAE Public Prosecution’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030. The strategy aims to enhance efficiency in the justice system, support decision-makers, and improve service quality—while upholding the highest ethical and legal standards.

Insights on creative sector governance were also shared at GETS 2025, as speakers from the National Library and Archives, Byteplus, and Lune Technologies addressed the risks and rights associated with generative AI and digital content ownership.

With global reccomendations being shared over the course of the two days, the Summit also witnessed calls for a global charter on human-AI interaction that integrates ethics and equity into innovation from the outset, discourse on the need to empower youth in shaping governance, and multiple talks on prioritising digital trust and cybersecurity as national imperatives. Notable sessions included those by Changpeng Zhao (CZ), co-founder of Binance and Giggle Academy, who explored how regulatory systems can evolve to meet the demands of a decentralized Web3 landscape; and Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute, who highlighted the dual imperative of innovation and resilience in an era shaped by AI and quantum disruption.

GETS 2025 also brought post-quantum readiness and next-generation encryption to the forefront, with experts pushing for the pivotal need for early data audits, encryption upgrades, and alignment with post-quantum standards. The Summit also spotlighted digital inclusion and linguistic equality in AI, advocating for increased investment in local datasets, digital literacy, and AI accessibility to bridge global and language divides. Regional and global experts also explored the cyberrisks that are innate to emerging technologies and emphasized the need for coordinated action among governments, technology developers, and society to build a fairer, more secure digital future.

The Architect of Enduring Change: Sadhguru

Sadhguru, an Indian guru and founder of the India-based non-profit spiritual organization Isha Foundation, remains undeterred even as much of the world often ignores his urgent warnings – whether concerning our planet’s alarming soil degradation or humanity’s impending mental health crisis. “Nobody wants to take up something which may take 15 to 20 years to produce real results,” he says. “If you increase the GDP, everybody notices it tomorrow morning. But if you increase the soil organic content, plants are happier, animal creatures are happier, you yourself are healthier and better, but you don’t notice it.”

Blending ancient mysticism with modern pragmatism, Sadhguru is guided by a vision that stretches far beyond election cycles or even his own lifetime. His global projects exemplify this dedication, particularly the Miracle of Mind app that offers a seven-minute guided meditation in multiple languages, along with an AI-powered feature that distills his teachings. “The problem right now is that, when something happens, people react in a certain way, but if they gave themselves more reaction time, more thinking before they react to something, a whole lot of things, including suicide and murder, would be down,” Sadhguru explains. “Our effort through the Miracle of Mind app is to touch at least 3 billion people in the next 24 months. If 3 billion people close their eyes for seven minutes a day, we will definitely be making a real difference in the world. This is a generational responsibility.”

Highlighting the urgency, Sadhguru references multiple research studies predicting severe mental health issues, such as that 30-33% of the world’s population would be mentally ill by 2050, or that one in three teenage girls in the US are clinically depressed, or that 42% of Europeans over 40 years of age are on some kind of psychiatric medication, or that about 17,600 children below 18 years of age committed suicide in India in 2023 alone. “Also, I was in conversa- tion with the Surgeon General of United States, and he says that one in two Americans is feeling lonely. Loneliness is the incubation period for mental illness. When you start feeling lonely, you’re working on it. After some time, you’ll graduate into a worse situation,” he says. He adds, “Many responsible scientists say that in another 15 to 20 years’ time, probably there will not be a single family without at least one person who is mentally ill. That’s not a good prospect because after thousands of years of human struggles, we have come to a place where our survival is better organized than ever before, but we are mentally cracking up.”

Sadhguru and Tamara Pupic, Managing Editor, Entrepreneur Middle East.
Source: BNC Publishing

The Miracle of Mind app’s successful launch, surpassing a million downloads within just 15 hours—quicker than even ChatGPT’s initial milestone—demonstrates public eagerness for accessible solutions. Sadhguru emphasizes the key to addressing this crisis lies in understanding that “human experience originates internally.”

He adds, “Pain and pleasure arise from within us. Joy and misery originate from within us. Agony and ecstasy emerge from within us. In other words, the source of human experience lies within, not in external surroundings. External factors may stimulate us, but the root, the very seat of human experience, is internal. Given that the source of our experience is within, taking charge of it becomes one of our most critical responsibilities—especially at a time when we face a growing threat of widespread mental illness, which could lead to immense individual and societal suffering.”

Other projects developed from a place of his genuine belief call for an urgent environmental action to address challenges of soil, water and climate change, such as land degradation, water scarcity, agricultural distress, and biodiversity loss. “Soil degradation is very directly connected to mental health, because our health, physical and mental, depends on the strength of the soil,” Sadhguru explains. “The food that we eat and the bodies that we carry are all soil. When soil degradation happens, the first thing that happens is that our software starts cracking up. Soil degradation and mental and physical health and not separate issues. It’s all about life.”

Through the Conscious Planet Movement’s Save Soil campaign, Sadhguru seeks global mobilization— activating over 4.1 billion people to urge governments to legislate mandatory organic content (a minimum of 3%-6%) in agricultural soils. Although progress varies, Sadhguru remains resolute. “One thing is that the Save Soil movement has definitely changed the narrative on the planet, but is narrative everything? No,” he says. “A few countries which are very progres- sive have taken on the soil policy very strongly. Others have made half-hearted changes. Some are committed to making changes. This is the way human beings act. A war comes, an election comes, something else happens, they put these kinds of things on the back burner.”

One thing is certain- Sadhguru will not give up. He keeps these topics in focus through his regular appearances at the UN and its various entities, the World Economic Forum, or speaking to the world’s business community, including the likes of Microsoft, Google, or TED. His massive social media following is not to be underestimated either- 13 million on Instagram, 12.4 million on YouTube, or 10 million on Facebook. “We’ve crossed the danger mark,” Sadhguru reiterates. “We’ve crossed the red line in many ways, yet we still behave as though everything is fine. Recent studies show that 78% of the world’s soil has lost approximately 30% of its moisture, meaning we’ve destroyed trillions of microorganisms and millions of species. Many people focus solely on saving iconic animals like pandas or tigers—I’m not saying they’re unimportant; they’re extremely important—but microorganisms form the foundation of life itself. Even our own bodies consist of more than 60% microorganisms. By neglecting this vital layer of life, we’re effectively dismantling the very foundations upon which we stand.”

In addition to looking to institutions or governments for social and environmental betterment, Sadhguru is turning his attention to an immensely powerful group of individuals – entrepreneurs and private sector executives. “In the next 30 to 50 years’ time, it is the business leadership that will become the most significant leadership on the planet,” he says. “There was a time when religious leadership was the most powerful leadership on the planet, then the military machines, then the democratically elected leaders, but prosperity and well-being to the people will come only from successful businesses. It is very important that we understand that the success of businesses is the success of a nation and success for the people of that nation.”

Through Isha Foundation, Sadhguru has already established a series of programs for leaders, including the Inner Engineering, a 7-steps online transformative program, and Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, a 21-minute Yogic process, which both help build foundation of health, joy and exuberance. There is also Isha Insight: The DNA of Success program, a business leadership intensive that explores the science of scaling up one’s business and self. But Sadhguru highlights that the foundation’s Ecstasy of Enlightenment program serves as a doorway to higher states of conscious- ness that are particularly needed in the business realm. It starts with Sadhguru posing a compelling question- Would you rather live blissfully or miserably? He explains, “Human experience has a chemical basis to it. Bliss, ecstasy, agony, misery, anxiety, stress, or whatever you go through, have a chemical basis. You are not producing blissful chemistry because you have not even read the user’s manual of this factory [the brain] to learn how it works, functions.”

The program derives from scientific research by Isha Foundation and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), a teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School, that showed that doing simple 21-minute meditation practice for six to 12 weeks leads to brain-derived neurotroph- ic factor (BDNF) [a key molecule involved in plastic changes related to learning and memory] increasing by 70%. “I can teach you to be blissed out all the time,” Sadhguru says. “If you’re blissed out and your mind is very clear, because there are no anxieties, no stresses, then you conduct your life much more sensibly. Whatever you do in your life, it is a very conscious process. Once you are in a conscious process, you are a far more effective. This must happen to every business, every entrepreneur, because an entrepreneur is an adventurous person, wanting to walk into new terrain. If you are full of stress, new terrain is going to freak the hell out of you, because you are afraid of uncertainties. You will seek the familiar but no great progress will happen then.”

Ultimately, Sadhguru’s vision for business leaders emphasizes shifting from personal ambition to broader, lasting goals. “I would say that in the next probably 15 to 25 years, there could be a significant change how business leaders function. It will not be about how much money they can personally accumulate, but about creating something larger than themselves. That’s one of the most significant works for me right now,” Sadhguru concludes.

‘TREP TALK: Sadhguru’s Advice for Entrepreneurs
“Taking a break for your inner well-being is not a pause. It is empowerment. If you don’t have time to eat your breakfast, lunch, or dinner, tomorrow your ability to work will go down. Similarly, if you don’t have time to service the interiors of your life, tomorrow your activity will be much lower. The productivity of a human being depends on how he or she is feeling right now. How pleasant is your experience of life? There’s substantial medical and scientific evidence to show that only when you’re in pleasant states of experience, your body and brain function at their best. If you want to do well in your business or in your enterprise, your body and brain must function well. It’s very important.”

Shaping What’s Next: The Future of 21st Century Comms Agencies

The world of communications has changed so much in the last 10 years – it’s like someone just hit fast-forward.

But if we rewind to 2014, I remember being able to take a breath when preparing a crisis statement. Now, it’s all about prediction, speed, urgency, and jumping across multiple digital platforms at once. We used to have the privilege of waiting a couple of hours to address a client crisis, but today, thanks to social media, if you’re not instantly jumping on it, it has likely already snowballed.

In 2025, that window to act in such a scenario is mere minutes, with social media and owned channels demanding an instant response to mitigate the scale a crisis can reach – while most importantly, ensuring customer trust isn’t broken in the process. The significant evolution of our industry has shifted more power to influencers, forcing brands to rethink their strategy.

Jimmy Donaldson, better known as Mr. Beast to his gargantuan YouTube following of 350-plus million followers, is a (Amazon) prime example of this with The Beast Games – his rendition of Netflix’s Squid Game. He’s showcased the power of an engaged audience by relentlessly leveraging data to inform his decision-making process while breaking countless records. From meticulously analysing watch-time metrics to click-through rates to maximise impact, it’s a blueprint that agencies can’t ignore because gut instincts often take a backseat to analytics.

AI-driven media monitoring and predictive analytics let us, as communications professionals, spot potential crises before they blow up. And let’s not forget SEO – press releases today need to rank on Google just as much as they need to land in a journalist’s inbox. But crisis comms isn’t the only thing to safeguard when it comes to future-proofing agencies to meet tomorrow’s needs.

Embrace Technology Like Never Before

Data is everything today, and the best agencies use it to craft razor-sharp campaigns. Whether you’re scaling a start-up or streamlining efficiency in a bigger agency, specialised tools – a bonus if they are AI-powered – are a great starting point to tap into innovation. Facebook, Instagram, and X still play a role, but our Digital Division Director tells me that TikTok is the platform of the moment, especially with Gen Z. This generation is scrolling and spending – with an estimated disposable income of $360 billion in only the U.S. and projections to drive up to 30% of global luxury purchases by 2030.

Build Teams Reflecting Client Needs

I live by the mantra you should “never hire anyone who doesn’t know more than you.” That’s why I was just able to educate you about TikTok. For business owners, I encourage you to follow this approach because fresh, unique ideas stem from all walks of life.

While Gen Z is stepping into the workforce in growing numbers, it’s important to remember that attracting top talent isn’t solely about pinpointing a single generation – it’s about diverse perspectives and understanding what your clients need. Take our team for instance, spanning 26 nationalities and 16 languages, we’re able to extract global outlooks to cater to clients from every angle. Moreover, this has served us well with rapid growth in recent years while onboarding larger clients across international markets.

At the same time, nurturing young leadership is essential because those who are deeply connected – with their eyes and ears to the ground – bring an instinctive understanding of cultural shifts, digital behaviors, and the latest platforms to guide your business amidst innovation.

Rethink How We Work

Gen Z – it always comes back to them and will continue to as the years pass – is a demographic that particularly values flexibility. Even though COVID-19 is a thing of the past, its impact remains as our Ways of Working (WoW) have evolved. Hybrid models in particular have altered the style in which many organisations operate. Yet, Gen Z aren’t the only ones in favour of this shift.

Even governments are taking note. In the UAE, studies conducted by the country’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) show that remote work could reduce peak-hour traffic by 30%, making cities more efficient – and likelier happier if you ask most employees today. The sweet spot we’ve found is three days in the office and two days remote. With research showing flexibility leads to more productivity, it’s a balance that keeps our divisions connected while giving them the freedom to work in ways that bring out their best.

This work model also has a positive green impact – the last, but not least, key area to consider.

Sustainability Matters – Beyond the Environment

A global push towards sustainable practices has become more evident than ever in recent years. Alignment with global mandates such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and regional initiatives like UAE Net Zero 2050 and KSA’s journey towards achieving net zero emissions by 2060 (central to Saudi Vision 2030) demonstrate this shift. With that said, sustainability isn’t just about the environment. It’s about being responsible, without greenwashing – something that agencies, and organisations in general, must be weary of.

For organisations, sustainability also extends to creating a better environment for future generations. Through ethical business practices like investing in people with competitive wages, ensuring strong governance across leadership, and creating a culture of transparent communications internally, stability can be sustainably established and maintained. On a bigger scale, tech investments ensure smarter operations while keeping data secure, and as it relates to the region, preserving cultural heritage while embracing innovation is imperative.

Looking Ahead

In my nearly two decades of working in the PR industry, the one constant in communications is continual change. We saw this in the 2000s with the rise of the internet, the 2010s with the emergence of social media, and now again in the 2020s with AI shifting not only our landscape but countless industries. On this note, for brands and agencies to thrive, the points we’ve talked through are imperative, but there’s one overarching principle I stand by is: anticipate trends, don’t just react to them.

And remember, the future of communications belongs to those who move first.

Related: These Five Lessons from the World of Broadcasting Could Boost your Business Communication

Khalifa Fund to Unveil Over 15 SME-Supporting Ventures at ‘Make It in the Emirates’ Forum 2025

The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) will be showcasing more than fifteen ventures that are supporting UAE-based small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during the fourth edition of the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum -an annual event which convenes innovators, investors and policymakers to transform the future of the UAE’s industrial sector- which will take place this year from May 19-22 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

The forum will facilitate the signing of Khalifa Fund’s three key strategic agreements, including one with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MOIAT), to support the UAE’s entrepreneurs and innovators in the industrial sector. In addition, an agreement will be signed with the ‘Make’ platform to jointly develop prototype acceleration programs for light manufacturing. The launch of the Light Manufacturing Accelerator program is a part of KFED’s broader efforts to enhance local manufacturing capabilities, by nurturing a comprehensive ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs, manufacturers, government entities and industry partners. The initiative also aims to streamline regulatory processes and facilitate access to supply chain opportunities.

More than fifteen key ventures supported by the KFED will participate in the event. These ventures belong to various sectors, including technology, food industries, manufacturing, trade and hospitality, all of which play an integral role in bolstering the local economy, as well as increasing the presence of national products and services in local markets.

KFED will also present various strategic initiatives that have been designed to support SMEs, and have thus paved the way for their sustainable growth and market expansion. These include the Abu Dhabi SME Champions Program, which connects startups with key buyers; the SME Export Enablement Program aiming to enhance SMEs’ global competitiveness; the SME Finance Facilitator Program, which addresses funding gaps through cutting-edge banking solutions; as well as the ICV Readiness Program, which empowers SMEs to meet in-country value (ICV) standards and actively participate in government tenders, and the aforementioned Light Manufacturing Accelerator.

In addition, an agreement is expected to be signed with Khalifa University to foster innovation and entrepreneurship while supporting the growth of startups and SMEs across the country. This partnership aims to leverage the shared expertise of both entities to create an integrated ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs, researchers and students by providing them with the necessary resources, knowledge and funding to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures.

“Our participation in the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum exemplifies the Fund’s commitment to supporting and empowering national entrepreneurship, particularly in priority sectors aligned with Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy system,” Mouza Al Nasri, Acting CEO of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), said. “We, at Khalifa Fund, are committed to implementing the UAE’s vision of building a competitive and sustainable economy driven by innovation and production. To achieve this goal, we aim to promote national ventures and create platforms that empower SMEs to confidently enter into new regional and global markets. In this regard, the event serves as a unique platform to highlight inspiring success stories and forge new partnerships, further strengthening the role of SMEs in advancing economic growth while strengthening the UAE’s industrial and technological sectors.”

The four-day-long forum will highlight relevant opportunities and growth prospects, review latest innovations, and enable collaborations across key sectors such as food and beverage, agriculture, aviation, automotive, defence industries, pharmaceuticals and medical technology, ship, navigation and boating industry, metals and manufacturing, handicrafts, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), fourth industrial revolution’s innovations (Industry 4.0), chemical industries, plastics, sustainable materials, machinery and equipment, electrical equipment and electronics, construction, future energy, as well as industrial decarbonization.