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On Thu, 13 Feb, 4:11 PM UTC
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Women who shape the future: DeepFest spotlights female innovators in tech
Image credit: Supplied photo DeepFest placed the spotlight on women tech innovators and their role in economic as well as the industry growth. Co-located with LEAP, which is Saudi Arabia's major tech event, a number of female industry leaders and entrepreneurs took to the DeepFest stage, championing the sector's drive for gender equality. Did you know? According to a report by the World Economic Forum, it will take 131 years to close the gender gap across all sectors, and only 28 per cent of women feel confident in managing long-term financial plans, compared to 44 per cent of men. Women and financial independence In an enlightening session titled 'Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Charge in Tech and AI', Wafa Al Obaidat, founder and CEO of Playbook, a professional network for women in business that offers access to business and investment opportunities, shared her personal journey with money, from growing up with a fear of finances to recognising its potential as a tool for growth and empowerment. Interesting read: Tech to make Riyadh MENA music hub by 2030, says Grammy head at DeepFest "When women have financial independence, families flourish, communities thrive, and entire economies grow," said Al Obaidat. "Companies perform better when women have access to capital, invest, and take control of their financial future. This isn't just about fairness -- it's about smart economics and unlocking the full potential of half the world's population." She also highlighted the systemic challenges women in business face towards accessing funding and financial opportunities, citing statistics on the gender investment gap and the low percentage of VC funding directed to female-founded startups. "Playbook addresses these challenges by providing a platform for women to connect, learn, and invest. We offer masterclasses, expert coaching, a startup marketplace featuring female-founded ventures, and networking opportunities designed to fit the lives and schedules of busy women." Robots, tech couture, and AI doctors: DeepFest 2025 to showcase the future in Riyadh "It is truly inspiring to see all these incredible and successful women take to the DeepFest stage and so openly share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes with the industry. We are seeing a much-needed shift in how female tech leaders are being championed, and the stories coming out of the show floor this week are a testament to the importance of collaboration, connections, and dedication", Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf added. AI: How will it power the future of entertainment Dr Christina Yan Zhang, CEO of The Metaverse Institute, asked attendees in her session, which focused on how AI and brain-computer interfaces will power the future of entertainment, to imagine a world without phones or computers, where the digital and physical domains are accessed through thought alone, using brain-computer interfaces (BCI). Must read: DeepFest 2025 showcases Saudi Arabia's AI ambitions "The future of entertainment, and indeed human experience, will be seamlessly interwoven with our minds." said Dr Yan Zhang. "Brain-computer interfaces, moving beyond their current medical applications like restoring mobility to a disabled patient, repairing vision through things like Neuralink, or treating patients with depression with a 60 per cent improvement result will become the ultimate user interface." Dr Yan Zhang looked at potential real-life use cases that are plausible in the future, even referencing the Marvel universe, where humans and technology have effectively become one being. "Far from the existential threat posed by AI, these advancements will empower us. Like Tony Stark and his Jarvis in the movie Ironman, we'll each use a non-invasive BCI to connect with our AI companion, enhancing our abilities and connecting us in unprecedented ways," she said. "We do not need phones or computers any longer. This symbiotic relationship with AI, facilitated by BCIs, will not only revolutionise entertainment but also massively reduce the 62 billion kilogrammes of e-waste generated every year, as mentioned by the UN, ushering in a more sustainable future for all", Dr Yan Zhang emphasised.
[2]
Women who shape the future: DeepFest spotlights female innovators
Image credit: Supplied photo DeepFest placed the spotlight on women tech innovators and their role in economic as well as the industry growth. Co-located with LEAP, which is Saudi Arabia's major tech event, a number of female industry leaders and entrepreneurs took to the DeepFest stage, championing the sector's drive for gender equality. Did you know? According to a report by the World Economic Forum, it will take 131 years to close the gender gap across all sectors, and only 28 per cent of women feel confident in managing long-term financial plans, compared to 44 per cent of men. Women and financial independence In an enlightening session titled 'Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Charge in Tech and AI', Wafa Al Obaidat, founder and CEO of Playbook, a professional network for women in business that offers access to business and investment opportunities, shared her personal journey with money, from growing up with a fear of finances to recognising its potential as a tool for growth and empowerment. Interesting read: Tech to make Riyadh MENA music hub by 2030, says Grammy head at DeepFest "When women have financial independence, families flourish, communities thrive, and entire economies grow," said Al Obaidat. "Companies perform better when women have access to capital, invest, and take control of their financial future. This isn't just about fairness -- it's about smart economics and unlocking the full potential of half the world's population." She also highlighted the systemic challenges women in business face towards accessing funding and financial opportunities, citing statistics on the gender investment gap and the low percentage of VC funding directed to female-founded startups. "Playbook addresses these challenges by providing a platform for women to connect, learn, and invest. We offer masterclasses, expert coaching, a startup marketplace featuring female-founded ventures, and networking opportunities designed to fit the lives and schedules of busy women." Robots, tech couture, and AI doctors: DeepFest 2025 to showcase the future in Riyadh "It is truly inspiring to see all these incredible and successful women take to the DeepFest stage and so openly share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes with the industry. We are seeing a much-needed shift in how female tech leaders are being championed, and the stories coming out of the show floor this week are a testament to the importance of collaboration, connections, and dedication", Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf added. AI: How will it power the future of entertainment Dr Christina Yan Zhang, CEO of The Metaverse Institute, asked attendees in her session, which focused on how AI and brain-computer interfaces will power the future of entertainment, to imagine a world without phones or computers, where the digital and physical domains are accessed through thought alone, using brain-computer interfaces (BCI). Must read: DeepFest 2025 showcases Saudi Arabia's AI ambitions "The future of entertainment, and indeed human experience, will be seamlessly interwoven with our minds." said Dr Yan Zhang. "Brain-computer interfaces, moving beyond their current medical applications like restoring mobility to a disabled patient, repairing vision through things like Neuralink, or treating patients with depression with a 60 per cent improvement result will become the ultimate user interface." Dr Yan Zhang looked at potential real-life use cases that are plausible in the future, even referencing the Marvel universe, where humans and technology have effectively become one being. "Far from the existential threat posed by AI, these advancements will empower us. Like Tony Stark and his Jarvis in the movie Ironman, we'll each use a non-invasive BCI to connect with our AI companion, enhancing our abilities and connecting us in unprecedented ways," she said. "We do not need phones or computers any longer. This symbiotic relationship with AI, facilitated by BCIs, will not only revolutionise entertainment but also massively reduce the 62 billion kilogrammes of e-waste generated every year, as mentioned by the UN, ushering in a more sustainable future for all", Dr Yan Zhang emphasised.
[3]
DeepFest spotlights women driving innovation
Image credit: Supplied photo DeepFest placed the spotlight on women tech innovators and their role in economic as well as the industry growth. Co-located with LEAP, which is Saudi Arabia's major tech event, a number of female industry leaders and entrepreneurs took to the DeepFest stage, championing the sector's drive for gender equality. Did you know? According to a report by the World Economic Forum, it will take 131 years to close the gender gap across all sectors, and only 28 per cent of women feel confident in managing long-term financial plans, compared to 44 per cent of men. Women and financial independence In an enlightening session titled 'Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Charge in Tech and AI', Wafa Al Obaidat, founder and CEO of Playbook, a professional network for women in business that offers access to business and investment opportunities, shared her personal journey with money, from growing up with a fear of finances to recognising its potential as a tool for growth and empowerment. Interesting read: Tech to make Riyadh MENA music hub by 2030, says Grammy head at DeepFest "When women have financial independence, families flourish, communities thrive, and entire economies grow," said Al Obaidat. "Companies perform better when women have access to capital, invest, and take control of their financial future. This isn't just about fairness -- it's about smart economics and unlocking the full potential of half the world's population." She also highlighted the systemic challenges women in business face towards accessing funding and financial opportunities, citing statistics on the gender investment gap and the low percentage of VC funding directed to female-founded startups. "Playbook addresses these challenges by providing a platform for women to connect, learn, and invest. We offer masterclasses, expert coaching, a startup marketplace featuring female-founded ventures, and networking opportunities designed to fit the lives and schedules of busy women." Robots, tech couture, and AI doctors: DeepFest 2025 to showcase the future in Riyadh "It is truly inspiring to see all these incredible and successful women take to the DeepFest stage and so openly share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes with the industry. We are seeing a much-needed shift in how female tech leaders are being championed, and the stories coming out of the show floor this week are a testament to the importance of collaboration, connections, and dedication", Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf added. AI: How will it power the future of entertainment Dr Christina Yan Zhang, CEO of The Metaverse Institute, asked attendees in her session, which focused on how AI and brain-computer interfaces will power the future of entertainment, to imagine a world without phones or computers, where the digital and physical domains are accessed through thought alone, using brain-computer interfaces (BCI). Must read: DeepFest 2025 showcases Saudi Arabia's AI ambitions "The future of entertainment, and indeed human experience, will be seamlessly interwoven with our minds." said Dr Yan Zhang. "Brain-computer interfaces, moving beyond their current medical applications like restoring mobility to a disabled patient, repairing vision through things like Neuralink, or treating patients with depression with a 60 per cent improvement result will become the ultimate user interface." Dr Yan Zhang looked at potential real-life use cases that are plausible in the future, even referencing the Marvel universe, where humans and technology have effectively become one being. "Far from the existential threat posed by AI, these advancements will empower us. Like Tony Stark and his Jarvis in the movie Ironman, we'll each use a non-invasive BCI to connect with our AI companion, enhancing our abilities and connecting us in unprecedented ways," she said. "We do not need phones or computers any longer. This symbiotic relationship with AI, facilitated by BCIs, will not only revolutionise entertainment but also massively reduce the 62 billion kilogrammes of e-waste generated every year, as mentioned by the UN, ushering in a more sustainable future for all", Dr Yan Zhang emphasised.
[4]
Redefining tech: DeepFest shines women driving innovation
Image credit: Supplied photo DeepFest placed the spotlight on women tech innovators and their role in economic as well as the industry growth. Co-located with LEAP, which is Saudi Arabia's major tech event, a number of female industry leaders and entrepreneurs took to the DeepFest stage, championing the sector's drive for gender equality. Did you know? According to a report by the World Economic Forum, it will take 131 years to close the gender gap across all sectors, and only 28 per cent of women feel confident in managing long-term financial plans, compared to 44 per cent of men. Women and financial independence In an enlightening session titled 'Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Charge in Tech and AI', Wafa Al Obaidat, founder and CEO of Playbook, a professional network for women in business that offers access to business and investment opportunities, shared her personal journey with money, from growing up with a fear of finances to recognising its potential as a tool for growth and empowerment. Interesting read: Tech to make Riyadh MENA music hub by 2030, says Grammy head at DeepFest "When women have financial independence, families flourish, communities thrive, and entire economies grow," said Al Obaidat. "Companies perform better when women have access to capital, invest, and take control of their financial future. This isn't just about fairness -- it's about smart economics and unlocking the full potential of half the world's population." She also highlighted the systemic challenges women in business face towards accessing funding and financial opportunities, citing statistics on the gender investment gap and the low percentage of VC funding directed to female-founded startups. "Playbook addresses these challenges by providing a platform for women to connect, learn, and invest. We offer masterclasses, expert coaching, a startup marketplace featuring female-founded ventures, and networking opportunities designed to fit the lives and schedules of busy women." Robots, tech couture, and AI doctors: DeepFest 2025 to showcase the future in Riyadh "It is truly inspiring to see all these incredible and successful women take to the DeepFest stage and so openly share their personal journeys, challenges, and successes with the industry. We are seeing a much-needed shift in how female tech leaders are being championed, and the stories coming out of the show floor this week are a testament to the importance of collaboration, connections, and dedication", Annabelle Mander, Executive Vice President of Tahaluf added. AI: How will it power the future of entertainment Dr Christina Yan Zhang, CEO of The Metaverse Institute, asked attendees in her session, which focused on how AI and brain-computer interfaces will power the future of entertainment, to imagine a world without phones or computers, where the digital and physical domains are accessed through thought alone, using brain-computer interfaces (BCI). Must read: DeepFest 2025 showcases Saudi Arabia's AI ambitions "The future of entertainment, and indeed human experience, will be seamlessly interwoven with our minds." said Dr Yan Zhang. "Brain-computer interfaces, moving beyond their current medical applications like restoring mobility to a disabled patient, repairing vision through things like Neuralink, or treating patients with depression with a 60 per cent improvement result will become the ultimate user interface." Dr Yan Zhang looked at potential real-life use cases that are plausible in the future, even referencing the Marvel universe, where humans and technology have effectively become one being. "Far from the existential threat posed by AI, these advancements will empower us. Like Tony Stark and his Jarvis in the movie Ironman, we'll each use a non-invasive BCI to connect with our AI companion, enhancing our abilities and connecting us in unprecedented ways," she said. "We do not need phones or computers any longer. This symbiotic relationship with AI, facilitated by BCIs, will not only revolutionise entertainment but also massively reduce the 62 billion kilogrammes of e-waste generated every year, as mentioned by the UN, ushering in a more sustainable future for all", Dr Yan Zhang emphasised.
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DeepFest, co-located with Saudi Arabia's LEAP tech event, showcased female tech innovators and their impact on industry growth, while also exploring AI's potential in revolutionizing entertainment through brain-computer interfaces.
DeepFest, a major tech event co-located with LEAP in Saudi Arabia, recently put the spotlight on women tech innovators and their crucial role in economic and industry growth. The event featured numerous female industry leaders and entrepreneurs who championed the sector's drive for gender equality 1.
According to a World Economic Forum report, it will take 131 years to close the gender gap across all sectors. Moreover, only 28% of women feel confident in managing long-term financial plans, compared to 44% of men 2. These statistics underscore the importance of initiatives like DeepFest in promoting women's participation in the tech industry.
In a session titled "Breaking Barriers: Women Leading the Charge in Tech and AI," Wafa Al Obaidat, founder and CEO of Playbook, shared her personal journey from fearing finances to recognizing money's potential as a tool for growth and empowerment. Al Obaidat emphasized, "When women have financial independence, families flourish, communities thrive, and entire economies grow" 3.
Al Obaidat highlighted the systemic challenges women in business face, particularly in accessing funding and financial opportunities. She cited statistics on the gender investment gap and the low percentage of VC funding directed to female-founded startups. To address these issues, Playbook offers a platform for women to connect, learn, and invest, providing masterclasses, expert coaching, and networking opportunities 4.
Dr. Christina Yan Zhang, CEO of The Metaverse Institute, presented a session on how AI and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) will power the future of entertainment. She envisioned a world where digital and physical domains are accessed through thought alone, using BCIs. Dr. Zhang stated, "The future of entertainment, and indeed human experience, will be seamlessly interwoven with our minds" 1.
Dr. Zhang explored potential real-life use cases for BCIs, including medical applications like restoring mobility to disabled patients, repairing vision, and treating depression. She also referenced the Marvel universe, comparing the future symbiotic relationship between humans and AI to that of Tony Stark and Jarvis in Iron Man 2.
Dr. Zhang emphasized that the symbiotic relationship with AI, facilitated by BCIs, could lead to a more sustainable future. She pointed out that this technology could potentially eliminate the need for phones and computers, significantly reducing the 62 billion kilograms of e-waste generated annually, as reported by the UN 3.
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LEAP 2025, Saudi Arabia's premier tech event, kicks off with record-breaking AI investments, showcasing the kingdom's commitment to becoming a global tech hub and advancing its Vision 2030 goals.
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A comprehensive look at how women are shaping the future of Generative AI through leadership, innovation, and advocacy for ethical and inclusive development.
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Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as a fintech powerhouse in the Middle East. With ambitious goals set for 2024 and beyond, the kingdom is fostering innovation, attracting investments, and creating a robust ecosystem for financial technology.
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Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, are emerging as global leaders in AI adoption and investment. A recent study reveals that Saudi workers are using AI more than their global counterparts, while the GCC region is making significant strides in AI development and implementation.
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AI experts highlight the UAE's role in fostering disruptive technologies. The country's strategic initiatives and investments position it as a leader in artificial intelligence and emerging tech fields.
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