Job creation in the Middle East remains paramount as a lever to enable prosperity and sustainability. However, advances in automation, technology and specifically robotics and AI, continue to have a significant impact on jobs and on the workforce. So, how much will be replacement of humans vs. an augmentation of skills? And is it possible that Hollywood-like dystopian scenarios, such as the Matrix or Terminator, could become a reality? The truth is, the threat of jobs being replaced by new technology has always been there.

Security threats are major concerns to healthcare organizations due to the value and vulnerability of clinical data that is being recorded and distributed. The value of the data comes from the fact that it is historical in nature; it directly affects our ability to safely treat patients, it takes a long time to rebuild, and it contains more than just clinical data, but also a lot of personal, financial, and demographic data, which allows it to be used for wider identity theft. It is persistent, whereas you can change credit cards and their passwords, PINs and account numbers in the event of a breach, you cannot change your mother's maiden name. The vulnerability comes from the fact that there has been a revolution in healthcare with the interconnection of systems, cloud computing, Internet of Health Things (IoHT) and mobile devices and the changes in working practices of clinicians, such as remote monitoring, telemedicine, and working from home. This revolution has not always been matched with the security awareness, policies, practices, and budgets of health care organizations.

Fintech firms in the Middle East are increasing, luring investors and pushing companies to digitize and innovate their operations. This insurance company has officially launched in the UAE after securing about $18 million in Series A funding. The investment came from its corporate founders, who are the shareholders behind Barents, an A-rated international Reinsurance group, and Choueiri Group, a leading media, and marketing group of the region, according to MENAbytes, a platform covering tech and startups from MENA. READ: Ready to leave: UAE expats driven away by high living expenses? Between all the players in insuretech, Aqeed thinks it's one of a kind.

Leaders in healthcare are currently at the sharp end of navigating the reality of AI within their organizations and throughout the industry itself. This conjures up a mix of emotions and behaviors ranging from the sobering to the inspiring when reflecting on the possibilities of this new world. Healthcare leaders are being faced with critical decisions when it comes to AI and how they position and align their organizations. Harnessed in a coordinated way, there are seven capabilities that can help leaders to learn, leverage and win when it comes to building a sustainable advantage, all while driving enhanced patient outcomes and efficiency. The launch-pad for any leader is their ability to create a compelling vision of the future.

Am I alone in thinking that it is a shame we can fix fewer things by ourselves these days? Personally, I always drew great satisfaction from fixing a broken piece of equipment. I enjoyed opening it – against the manufacturers' warnings – to discover how it actually worked, and then fix it using superglue or a paperclip. We are increasingly denied this feeling of being in control. It started with simple, loose parts being replaced by horrendously expensive integrated parts.