AI is quietly transforming the way we think about medicine. Chatbots now help triage patients online, wearable devices monitor vital signs in real time and machine learning tools assist radiologists in spotting early signs of disease. These are not futuristic concepts – they are already being tested and used in hospitals around the world. Insights10 – a healthcare-focused market research firm – has projected the UAE’s AI healthcare market to grow from $40 million in 2022 to $720 million by 2030 – an annual growth rate of more than 46 per cent.
But as AI becomes more powerful and pervasive, one truth remains clear: its real-world impact depends not just on the quality of the technology, but on how well people work together to develop and use it.
That is a lesson I’ve learnt first-hand, both as an AI researcher and through my years of involvement with the NYU Abu Dhabi International Hackathon for Social Good. I joined the hackathon as a student, part of the winning team that built a mobile app to help prevent heat stroke among outdoor workers. Since then, I’ve returned as a mentor and judge, and seen how transformative collaborative spaces can be for young technologists. These events are about more than building demos – they simulate the messy, exciting process of turning ideas into solutions that matter.
In my research, I focus on how AI can support clinical decision-making – from predicting stroke risk to generating diagnostic reports from chest X-rays, and improving IVF outcomes using medical image analysis. These projects may sound technical, but they are deeply human. They require working closely with doctors and patients to ensure that the tools we build address real clinical needs and can be trusted in practice. An algorithm is only as useful as its ability to integrate into workflows, support professionals and ultimately improve care.
This is where collaboration comes in. Too often, AI in health care is treated as a purely technical challenge. However, designing tools that clinicians will actually use means involving a range of voices – from healthcare workers and policymakers to ethicists and patients. Engineers need to understand the realities of hospital life, and data scientists must engage with concerns around bias, consent and fairness. These conversations are not optional – they are essential to making sure technology works for everyone.
Spaces like the NYUAD Hackathon help simulate this kind of interdisciplinary teamwork. Students from across the Arab world join forces with mentors from academia, industry and government to tackle complex social issues. The best projects do not emerge from technical genius alone but from diverse teams that combine coding skills with empathy, curiosity and a strong sense of purpose. Over the years, I have seen students prototype tools for early childhood health monitoring, pandemic preparedness and mental health support for displaced communities. These ideas succeed not because they are flashy but because they are grounded in context and built with care.
Over the years, I have seen students prototype tools for early childhood health monitoring, pandemic preparedness and mental health support for displaced communities. These ideas succeed not because they are flashy but because they are grounded in context and built with care
But even with strong teams and good ideas, another challenge looms large: data. AI systems need large, diverse and well-curated datasets – especially in health care, where accuracy is critical. Yet many countries, including those in the Arab world, are still developing the infrastructure and policies needed to support responsible data sharing while protecting privacy and ensuring equitable access. This is an area where regional collaboration and investment can make a major difference.
Looking ahead, emerging technologies such as quantum computing may help tackle some of health care AI’s biggest challenges. Quantum methods could enable faster, more powerful models and new ways of understanding complex datasets. However, technology alone will not solve anything. Whether it is AI or quantum, we need to prepare students to ask better questions, think across disciplines and stay focused on real-world impact.
Such preparation should not begin in university – it should start much earlier. That is why I also dedicate time to teaching AI to K-12 students. It is crucial to introduce these ideas from a young age, and to do so through a holistic lens. Students should learn not just how AI works, but why it matters, who it affects and how to use it responsibly.
This early exposure often feeds into programmes like the hackathon, where former students return as confident contributors and mentors. Eventually, it crosses into the real world – influencing how future doctors, engineers and researchers tackle some of the biggest challenges in health and medicine.
As medicine and technology become ever more entwined, collaboration will only grow in importance. AI has the potential to improve care, reduce costs and save lives – not just by treating illness, but by promoting health. Expanding our focus from lifespan to healthspan will depend on personalised treatment, continuous monitoring and proactive care – all driven by data.
Making that future a reality will require more than breakthroughs. It will require us to build – together – with intention, humility and deep respect for the people at the heart of health care.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Company profile
Date started: January, 2014
Founders: Mike Dawson, Varuna Singh, and Benita Rowe
Based: Dubai
Sector: Education technology
Size: Five employees
Investment: $100,000 from the ExpoLive Innovation Grant programme in 2018 and an initial $30,000 pre-seed investment from the Turn8 Accelerator in 2014. Most of the projects are government funded.
Partners/incubators: Turn8 Accelerator; In5 Innovation Centre; Expo Live Innovation Impact Grant Programme; Dubai Future Accelerators; FHI 360; VSO and Consult and Coach for a Cause (C3)
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
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Indian construction workers stranded in Ajman with unpaid dues
List of officials:
Referees: Chris Broad, David Boon, Jeff Crowe, Andy Pycroft, Ranjan Madugalle and Richie Richardson.
Umpires: Aleem Dar, Kumara Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Ian Gould, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Ruchira Palliyaguruge, Sundaram Ravi, Paul Reiffel, Rod Tucker, Michael Gough, Joel Wilson and Paul Wilson.
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
How Filipinos in the UAE invest
A recent survey of 10,000 Filipino expatriates in the UAE found that 82 per cent have plans to invest, primarily in property. This is significantly higher than the 2014 poll showing only two out of 10 Filipinos planned to invest.
Fifty-five percent said they plan to invest in property, according to the poll conducted by the New Perspective Media Group, organiser of the Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition. Acquiring a franchised business or starting up a small business was preferred by 25 per cent and 15 per cent said they will invest in mutual funds. The rest said they are keen to invest in insurance (3 per cent) and gold (2 per cent).
Of the 5,500 respondents who preferred property as their primary investment, 54 per cent said they plan to make the purchase within the next year. Manila was the top location, preferred by 53 per cent.
