{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/6a081667efd1f558b0dd5c52/6a5a1b1d62e50b14bd9700ed?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"From Regulation to Ambition | Co-Host Dr. Abir Haddad","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/6a081667efd1f558b0dd5c52/1784289641457-7df6568a-8a99-44e0-bb7c-e581e9077f42.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>The Middle East is not just a market to expand into; for the right founders, it may be the best place to build. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are making AI a national strategic priority, moving faster, investing bigger, and building governance frameworks designed to attract tech talent.</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode, Kenza continues her conversation with Dr. Abir Haddad, who works extensively in the region, for a ground-level view of what is actually happening. They explore what Europe can learn from the Gulf's approach to AI and why the region is uniquely attractive for startup founders and growth-stage CEOs: direct access to governments as first customers, national AI strategies that actively seek technology partners, and an innovation culture that moves at a speed most European ecosystems simply cannot match.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS </strong></p><ul><li>The Gulf is investing heavily in AI ecosystems and talent.</li><li>Start-ups gain easier access to funding and government projects.</li><li>Regulation relies more on guidelines, sandboxes and experimentation.</li><li>Central AI governance coordinates activities across institutions.</li><li>Human oversight and continuous upskilling remain essential.&nbsp;</li></ul>","author_name":"Kenza Ait Si Abbou"}