National Bank of Fujairah hosts knowledge-sharing event focused on harnessing AI
Business leaders and industry experts give insights to help NBF’s customers leverage AI in their businesses
Dubai – 24 February 2025 — The National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) has hosted the latest in its successful series of knowledge-sharing events on harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI). The event, attended by more than 200 delegates from diverse industries - including both NBF and non-NBF clients - shared strategies and tools to seamlessly integrate AI technologies into business operations.
Under the theme ‘Harnessing AI: Strategies for Thriving in an Evolving Business Landscape’, the event explored the transformative power of AI and digitalisation in today’s fast-paced business environment. NBF brought together expert speakers and industry leaders to discuss the impact of AI on various industries, the importance of effective data management, ethical concerns, challenges in technological adaptation, and how to stay ahead of emerging trends.
Robert Willock, Global Editorial Director at the Economist Intelligence Corporate Network, opened with a comprehensive economic outlook at both regional and global levels, noting that Economist Intelligence expects the UAE's real GDP growth will exceed 4% in 2025. The discussion covered geopolitical shifts, including the expansion of BRICS, and an assessment that the Middle East should remain relatively insulated from risks associated with US trade and security policies under returning president Donald Trump. Willock also revealed that Saudi Arabia has now surpassed the UAE in terms of regional business confidence, with investment trends favouring both markets due to their political stability, strong economic fundamentals and increasingly attractive business environments.
Arnold C. Gutmann, Senior Executive Partner at Gartner Gulf, followed with an exploration of agentic AI, a new evolution of AI that acts independently to drive real-world impact. He emphasised that the future of AI is in the hands of businesses, urging organisations to move beyond basic automation and focus on AI’s ability to generate revenue, drive innovation, and enhance strategic decision-making. Gutmann highlighted the importance of establishing dedicated AI teams, ensuring AI is not just an IT initiative but a core driver of business success. “AI should be a co-worker, not just a tool,” Gutmann noted, reinforcing the need for human-first technology that simplifies operations while upholding ethics and governance.
Gutmann then closed proceedings with a deep dive on crafting a winning AI execution strategy, emphasising that AI is a core business driver, not just a technical tool. The discussion highlighted the rise of 'business technologists'—professionals across departments who integrate AI into their workflows—and the need for a structured yet flexible governance approach. Attendees were encouraged to incorporate vendor-driven AI, proprietary data, and commercial AI models to enhance efficiency, decision-making, and risk management.
The event is part of NBF’s ongoing knowledge-sharing series, which has recently covered ESG implementation and investment management. The series will continue throughout 2025, offering valuable insights to help NBF customers navigate evolving business trends.
[END]
About National Bank of Fujairah PJSC:
Incorporated in 1982, National Bank of Fujairah PJSC (NBF) is a full services corporate bank with strong corporate and commercial banking, treasury and trade finance expertise as well as an expanding suite of personal banking options and Shari’ah compliant services. Leveraging its deep banking experience and market insight within Fujairah and the UAE, NBF is well-positioned to build lasting relationships with its clients and help them achieve their business goals.
NBF’s key shareholders include the Government of Fujairah, Easa Saleh Al Gurg LLC and Investment Corporation of Dubai. Rated Baa1 / Prime-2 for deposits and A3 for counterparty risk assessment by Moody’s and BBB / A-2 by Standard & Poor’s, both with a stable outlook, the bank is listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange under the symbol “NBF”. It has a branch network of 14 across the UAE.
For further information, please contact:
Strategic Marketing and Communications Department
E-mail: CorpComm@nbf.ae and nbf@fourcommunications.com
Telephone: +971 4 507 8351 and +971 4 507 8576