Big data analytics powered by AI is providing organizations with valuable insights and tools to make more informed decisions
Big data analytics powered by AI is providing organizations with valuable insights and tools to make more informed decisions
Big data analytics powered by AI is providing organizations with valuable insights and tools to make more informed decisions
Big data analytics powered by AI is providing organizations with valuable insights and tools to make more informed decisions

How big data analytics powered by AI is driving digital transformation



The Middle East is witnessing rapid digital transformation, making it a natural hub for innovation when it comes to the way governments, businesses and communities use technology to make decisions. Since 2020, Presight AI (“Presight”) has been driving the adoption of big data analytics powered by artificial intelligence (“AI”) to gather and analyze large and diverse datasets. Leveraging this, businesses across the region are equipping themselves to create more accurate predictions and insights which support decision making across every sector at scale.

At Presight, we combine big data, technology and people to answer real-world challenges with progressive solutions. Our technology leverages all-source data to support insight-driven decision making to create safer, healthier, happier, and more sustainable societies is becoming more widespread by the day, ultimately driven by a collective mission to create meaningful change and build a better tomorrow, today.

When the UAE prepared to welcome people from around the world to the EXPO 2020 Dubai, there was an opportunity to showcase the potential of Presight’s innovative big data analytics solutions that are now being used to create smarter and more sustainable societies. Almost a year on from the closing of the largest global EXPO yet, its success stands as a testament to the power of big data analytics powered by AI, which played a crucial role in ensuring a safe environment for visitors while also facilitating the smooth operation of an event unmatched in scale.

Presight’s big data analytics powered by AI in action

The success of EXPO 2020 Dubai is evidenced by the 24 million visitors that travelled to the UAE in a period characterized by challenging social distancing and safety restrictions which were addressed through the deployment of cutting-edge AI-enabled technology. Presight’s technology solutions monitored over 100,000 visitors and 6,500 vehicles daily, enabling instant alerts in response to identified security incidents. Across the 4.38km2 site, live feeds of 12,000 CCTV cameras fed into a cloud-based video analytics platform that utilized advanced AI for the detection of a wide variety of security and crowd management scenarios. The platform provided real-time insights and 24/7 situation analysis, allowing the operations and security teams to ensure the safety of everyone on site and respond effectively should any threats to security arise.

The safety measures embedded by Presight were further enhanced using x-ray machines, metal detectors, electronic trace detectors and vehicle access management using intelligent automation, all of which helped to create a secure environment inside EXPO 2020 Dubai’s districts. The safety of visitors was of paramount importance as EXPO 2020 Dubai opened while the world continued to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact this had on travel, with many countries striving to keep their borders open.

EXPO 2020 Dubai served as an important first step in demonstrating the transformative power of Presight’s AI-powered technology and big data analytics to provide insights that support decision making, ensure the safety and security of visitors, and optimize operational efficiency. Its success has set the stage and created a dynamic framework for a new era in the way large-scale events are managed, with its world-class technology already being rolled out across other events in the UAE and beyond.

EXPO 2020 Dubai served as an important first step in demonstrating the transformative power of AI-powered technology and big data analytics
EXPO 2020 Dubai served as an important first step in demonstrating the transformative power of AI-powered technology and big data analytics

Pioneering digital transformation at scale

Now, you may be pondering “What does this mean for me?” when it comes to the use of big data analytics and AI beyond large-scale events. In fact, they are increasingly being used to bring significant benefits across multiple sectors with new discoveries and applications being developed on a daily basis. Through the application of big data analytics, organizations can analyse vast amounts of data to uncover new insights at an accelerating pace and identify opportunities that were previously unavailable. CEO of Presight, Thomas Pramotedham, said: “From public services to finance and even sports, big data analytics powered by AI are providing organizations with valuable insights and tools to make more informed decisions and respond accordingly to unlock positive, societal impact.

The Middle East’s pioneering approach to embracing the use of technology, coupled with its modern infrastructure and a regulatory sandbox environment, is enabling the region to emerge as a global springboard for innovation. The region is well positioned to lead the charge as a hub for digital transformation, driving economic growth and improving quality of life for its citizens.

Presight CEO Thomas Pramotedham
Presight CEO Thomas Pramotedham

At Presight, the shifting sands of digital transformation are integral to our mission to help shape tomorrow’s world for the better. Presight was born of the cumulation of the most advanced technology, the brightest and most creative people around, and it is our responsibility to lead the charge of digital transformation and support the UAE to meet its digitization ambitions. We approach problem-solving and decision-making through a 360-degree lens that enables our business to empower organizations to adopt these technologies and create a positive, tangible and immediate impact with a long-term view.

As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology in the pursuit of improving our daily lives, it’s vital we remember the lessons learned from pivotal events such as EXPO 2020 Dubai, serving as a reminder that technology, when used wisely, has the power to help us overcome even the greatest of challenges.

The team

Photographer: Mateusz Stefanowski at Art Factory 
Videographer: Jear Valasquez 
Fashion director: Sarah Maisey
Make-up: Gulum Erzincan at Art Factory 
Model: Randa at Art Factory Videographer’s assistant: Zanong Magat 
Photographer’s assistant: Sophia Shlykova 
With thanks to Jubail Mangrove Park, Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi 

 
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Fasset%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2019%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mohammad%20Raafi%20Hossain%2C%20Daniel%20Ahmed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%242.45%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2086%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Pre-series%20B%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Investcorp%2C%20Liberty%20City%20Ventures%2C%20Fatima%20Gobi%20Ventures%2C%20Primal%20Capital%2C%20Wealthwell%20Ventures%2C%20FHS%20Capital%2C%20VN2%20Capital%2C%20local%20family%20offices%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Tips for job-seekers
  • Do not submit your application through the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn. Employers receive between 600 and 800 replies for each job advert on the platform. If you are the right fit for a job, connect to a relevant person in the company on LinkedIn and send them a direct message.
  • Make sure you are an exact fit for the job advertised. If you are an HR manager with five years’ experience in retail and the job requires a similar candidate with five years’ experience in consumer, you should apply. But if you have no experience in HR, do not apply for the job.

David Mackenzie, founder of recruitment agency Mackenzie Jones Middle East

Best Foreign Language Film nominees

Capernaum (Lebanon)

Cold War (Poland)

Never Look Away (Germany)

Roma (Mexico)

Shoplifters (Japan)

TOURNAMENT INFO

Fixtures
Sunday January 5 - Oman v UAE
Monday January 6 - UAE v Namibia
Wednesday January 8 - Oman v Namibia
Thursday January 9 - Oman v UAE
Saturday January 11 - UAE v Namibia
Sunday January 12 – Oman v Namibia

UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Waheed Ahmed, Zawar Farid, Darius D’Silva, Karthik Meiyappan, Jonathan Figy, Vriitya Aravind, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed, Chirag Suri

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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All%20We%20Imagine%20as%20Light
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The specs

Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel

Power: 579hp

Torque: 859Nm

Transmission: Single-speed automatic

Price: From Dh825,900

On sale: Now

Squid Game season two

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk 

Stars:  Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun

Rating: 4.5/5

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

Jeff Buckley: From Hallelujah To The Last Goodbye
By Dave Lory with Jim Irvin

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Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

The Intruder

Director: Deon Taylor

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Michael Ealy, Meagan Good

One star

Find the right policy for you

Don’t wait until the week you fly to sign up for insurance – get it when you book your trip. Insurance covers you for cancellation and anything else that can go wrong before you leave.

Some insurers, such as World Nomads, allow you to book once you are travelling – but, as Mr Mohammed found out, pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.

Check your credit card before booking insurance to see if you have any travel insurance as a benefit – most UAE banks, such as Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, have cards that throw in insurance as part of their package. But read the fine print – they may only cover emergencies while you’re travelling, not cancellation before a trip.

Pre-existing medical conditions such as a heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy and even asthma may not be included as standard. Again, check the terms, exclusions and limitations of any insurance carefully.

If you want trip cancellation or curtailment, baggage loss or delay covered, you may need a higher-grade plan, says Ambareen Musa of Souqalmal.com. Decide how much coverage you need for emergency medical expenses or personal liability. Premium insurance packages give up to $1 million (Dh3.7m) in each category, Ms Musa adds.

Don’t wait for days to call your insurer if you need to make a claim. You may be required to notify them within 72 hours. Gather together all receipts, emails and reports to prove that you paid for something, that you didn’t use it and that you did not get reimbursed.

Finally, consider optional extras you may need, says Sarah Pickford of Travel Counsellors, such as a winter sports holiday. Also ensure all individuals can travel independently on that cover, she adds. And remember: “Cheap isn’t necessarily best.”

Key developments

All times UTC 4

THE SIXTH SENSE

Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Rating: 5/5

ALRAWABI%20SCHOOL%20FOR%20GIRLS
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Updated: March 01, 2023, 11:51 AM