logo
ICISAS 2025: Dubai conference explores advancements in AI, cloud security, and ethical technology

ICISAS 2025: Dubai conference explores advancements in AI, cloud security, and ethical technology

Khaleej Times05-03-2025
The International Conference on Innovation and Sustainability in Applied Sciences (ICISAS) 2025, hosted by Curtin University Dubai in partnership with the Zayed Foundation and Dubai Police Academy, brought together global experts, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the latest advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), cloud security, and sustainability.
Held on February 22-23 at the Dubai Police Academy in Umm Suqeim, the conference was endorsed by leading academic publishers, including Taylor & Francis, MDPI, Atlantis Press, and Springer Nature. The event attracted 436 research paper submissions from 36 countries, with 272 accepted for presentation, further cementing ICISAS as a premier platform for fostering innovation and collaboration between academia and industry.
With AI and cybersecurity playing an increasingly critical role in the digital age, the conference addressed key challenges, including data privacy, ethical AI governance, and cloud security. Experts engaged in high-level discussions on AI-driven cybersecurity frameworks, privacy-preserving technologies, federated learning, and blockchain integration - key areas in strengthening cloud security and big data protection. The event also underscored AI's growing role in tackling sustainability challenges and developing intelligent digital infrastructure.
Industry leaders, security experts, and representatives from leading global institutions participated in the discussions, highlighting the need for innovative AI models to enhance cybersecurity resilience, mitigate emerging threats, and ensure compliance with evolving global data protection regulations. Professor Chithirai Pon Selvan, conference chair, emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between industry demands and academic research to drive impactful technological advancements in AI and sustainable computing.
A key highlight of ICISAS 2025 was the recognition of Rahul Vadisetty, whose research on 'Generative AI and Privacy-Preserving Big Data Analytics in Cloud Environments with AI Agents' earned him the Best Presenter Award. His pioneering AI-driven security framework strengthens privacy-preserving mechanisms in big data analytics through encryption, anonymisation, and self-learning cybersecurity agents. The study presents scalable solutions to AI-related data privacy risks, with applications across healthcare, finance, and enterprise cloud systems.
ICISAS 2025 reaffirmed Curtin University Dubai's commitment to advancing responsible AI research and innovation. The conference not only facilitated knowledge exchange among global experts but also reinforced the importance of ethical AI deployment, cybersecurity advancements, and sustainable computing in shaping the digital future.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Samsung Unpacked preview: What to expect amid AI push and rising competition
Samsung Unpacked preview: What to expect amid AI push and rising competition

The National

time16 hours ago

  • The National

Samsung Unpacked preview: What to expect amid AI push and rising competition

Samsung is expected to unveil its new foldable smartphones at its Unpacked event, as it seeks to regain leadership in a market it once dominated and expand its AI ambitions across lines of its mobile devices. The South Korean company is widely anticipated to launch the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, along with a more affordable Fan Edition version of the Flip, at its second 2025 Unpacked in New York, on July 9. Samsung has not officially confirmed the names of the devices. Design refinements expected The new models are expected to be thinner and lighter, featuring a reinforced hinge, improved durability and upgraded cameras − including a 200 megapixel primary sensor − as well as a sleeker design inspired by the Galaxy S25 series, according to leaks and industry reports. The devices are also expected to run on One UI 8, Samsung's latest Android-based interface, which is anticipated to include visual refinements and tighter integration with Galaxy AI. First introduced with the Galaxy S24 series in early 2024, Galaxy AI offers tools such as real-time translation, summarisation, and AI-powered photo editing. Entry-level foldable to broaden appeal The Fold7 is rumoured to retain its book-style form factor but in a slimmer build, while the Flip7 is expected to offer a larger external display and improved AI features. The addition of a Fan Edition version of the Flip would mark Samsung's first attempt to offer a more accessible foldable, aimed at users with smaller budgets. Foldables continue to command a premium due to their complex engineering and limited production scale. The Galaxy Z Fold7 is expected to launch at around $1,899, with the Flip7 priced from approximately $1,099. The Fan Edition variant is anticipated to retail for around $740 − roughly $250 less than the standard Flip − which could help Samsung garner more interest from consumer with lower spending power. By comparison, the Galaxy S25 Ultra is priced from $1,299, while the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199. "The foldables market is clearly moving beyond its niche status in 2025," Muhannad Al Teneiji, founder of the Wealth Training Centre and Matrix for AI Applications, told The National. "Foldable phones are expected to make up 5.9 per cent of global smartphone sales, and the segment is growing much faster than the broader smartphone market, at over 21 per cent annually." He added that maturing design, greater durability, and cost reductions are helping foldables move beyond the premium-only segment. Despite consistent improvements in hardware, pricing remains a key barrier to widespread adoption. While the Flip line has generally been seen as the more affordable option, it still sits above many standard flagship devices. Whether the FE variant can shift that narrative depends on how much functionality it retains. "Price is still an important barrier," said Mr Al Teneiji. "The Galaxy Z Flip launch price keeps it in the premium category and out of reach for many buyers. A more affordable model, using cost-cutting measures such as a cheaper chipset and lower general specs, could bring the price down and help expand the market." Competition intensifies Samsung's urgency to innovate is driven by rising competition. According to Counterpoint Research, foldable smartphones accounted for only 1.5 per cent of total smartphone sales in Europe in the first quarter of 2025, growing just 4 per cent annual, as consumers remain cautious about pricing, durability, and long-term value. Samsung's market share in the European foldables segment dropped to 41 per cent in Q1 2025, down from 56 per cent a year earlier. Motorola has since overtaken Honor to become the second-largest player in the region with 15 per cent market share, followed by Honor at 13 per cent. Globally, Huawei continues to dominate, driven by strong demand in China, which is the largest market for foldables. All this is piling pressure on Samsung to deliver the wow-factor at Unpacked and reassert its leadership. "Huawei overtook Samsung in foldables in early 2025, reaching 35 per cent global share and dominating China with over 76 percent," said Mr Al Teneiji. "Samsung's upcoming Unpacked lineup could help it regain ground globally, especially outside China. However, reclaiming the top spot in China will be much harder due to Huawei's strong local momentum and brand loyalty." AI at centre of Samsung strategy Beyond hardware, Samsung's broader strategy is increasingly focused on AI. Galaxy AI is expected to be a key component of the new devices, offering features across communication, productivity and photography. "Samsung is making AI a real selling point with its foldable smartphones," William Santo, chief technology officer at Kaiko, told The National. Features such as real-time translation, note summarisation, AI photo editing and voice transcription are becoming more valuable and accessible, marking a shift from marketing hype to practical integration, he added. "While AI is a nice-to-have feature right now, it's going to be a must-have in one to two years," Mr Santo said. "Smartphones could increasingly turn into a fully featured AI assistant, efficient and emotionally intelligent, acting as a copilot for communication, navigation, search, and more." Smartphones of the future could go beyond being simple devices and could turn into an operating system for life: a way to connect to the hardware in more meaningful and helpful ways. The devices of the future could also adapt new ways of interacting with the fast-evolving technology that has become so integral to everyday life, he added. "Users are paying more attention to AI features when choosing phones in 2025," said Mr Santo. "About one-third say AI makes them want to upgrade sooner." However, traditional factors such as battery life, camera, and screen quality are still a priority for a majority of users, he added.

GCAA convenes ASCC 2025 to advance regulatory innovation
GCAA convenes ASCC 2025 to advance regulatory innovation

Gulf Today

time4 days ago

  • Gulf Today

GCAA convenes ASCC 2025 to advance regulatory innovation

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) hosted the Aviation Safety Consultative Conference (ASCC) 2025 at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel in Dubai, bringing together key aviation stakeholders from across the UAE under the theme 'Regulatory Innovation and Operational Excellence.' The conference served as a dynamic platform for sharing insights, strategies, and regulatory updates that aim to enhance aviation safety standards in line with the UAE Vision 2031. 'ASCC 2025 reflects our collective ambition to lead through collaboration, innovation, and regulatory agility,' said Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General of the Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at GCAA: 'Together with our industry partners, we continue to build a proactive safety culture that supports sustainable aviation growth for the UAE and beyond.'Key announcements included the release of (Safety Decision 2025-01), which addresses fatigue management in the aviation maintenance environment. The agenda also covered critical topics such as EVTOL operations, AI-powered compliance systems, weather resilience, emergency preparedness, Acceptable Level of Safety Performance (ALoSP), and Flight and Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) variations. Participants received important updates on aircrew licensing, training oversight, non-technical competencies, and passenger behaviour management, in addition to enhancements in CAR-AIR OPS regulations and e-service platforms. The conference also featured a call to action for industry-wide participation in the upcoming (Safety Marathon 2025). With contributions from leading experts across the UAE aviation sector, ASCC 2025 reaffirmed the country's strategic commitment to innovation-driven oversight, fostering a proactive safety culture and promoting sustainable aviation development. Meanwhile the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued the world's first regulatory framework for hybrid operations, enabling both electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs) and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably on the same infrastructure. This innovative regulatory framework represents a significant leap in integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions into existing aviation systems. It offers a cost-effective model for infrastructure development, accelerates operational readiness, and aligns with the UAE government's directives to implement high-efficiency, non-bureaucratic solutions across various sectors. Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, said, 'The UAE has always been at the forefront of excellence in aviation. This pioneering regulatory framework does not merely enable new technology; it redefines how aviation evolves. It reflects our commitment to innovation in developing a supportive ecosystem for the growth of this vital sector and a future where advanced air mobility is seamlessly integrated into our national infrastructure.' The hybrid operations framework results from close collaboration with international partners in the advanced air mobility sector and is fully aligned with the UAE's national vision for sustainability, smart mobility, and optimized infrastructure use. By enabling dual-use between conventional helicopter pads and electric vertical takeoff and landing pads, this initiative helps accelerate implementation timelines, optimises infrastructure utilisation, and cements the UAE's position as a leader in fostering an integrated ecosystem supporting the future of aviation. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, said that this framework is a strategic enabler, not only for new modes of transport but for a smarter, more flexible regulatory environment that keeps pace with emerging technologies without compromising safety standards. Meanwhile in May General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has concluded the 64th annual conference of the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA) in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time the event has been hosted in the Middle East. The UAE contributed six technical papers, highlighting national priorities in artificial intelligence, training and airspace innovation. The conference welcomed 690 participants representing 98 associations. Ahmed Ibrahim Al Jallaf, Assistant Director-General of the Air Navigation Services Sector at the GCAA, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the UAE's submissions received wide acclaim and addressed integration of AI in air traffic control, modern training frameworks, zero-bureaucracy management, and advanced technologies adopted as global best practices. Recommendations from these papers were adopted into IFATCA's agenda, with one paper set to be developed as a global case study.

Crypto in 2025: Buy, wait or exit?
Crypto in 2025: Buy, wait or exit?

Arabian Business

time5 days ago

  • Arabian Business

Crypto in 2025: Buy, wait or exit?

As cryptocurrency markets navigate through mid-2025, investors face a complex landscape of soaring prices, regulatory shifts, and evolving institutional adoption. With Bitcoin touching new heights over $110,000 in June 2025, the question among investors is whether this represents the ideal entry point or a dangerous peak. The bull case: Momentum and institutional backing The numbers offer a compelling outlook for crypto enthusiasts. Bitcoin has already made headlines this year by surging past its previous all-time high, touching over $110,295 in June 2025 before stabilising around $105,000 to $107,000. This performance has sparked enthusiasm among both retail and institutional investors. 'One reason why now could be a good time to invest in crypto is that generally risk assets such as crypto have performed well when financial conditions globally are loose and money is more available,' by Simon Peters, Crypto Analyst at eToro said in an exclusive interview with Arabian Business. The forecast from industry analysts remain optimistic. Bitcoin is projected to trade between $80,440 and $151,200 in 2025, with stretched targets of $175,000 to $185,000. Standard Chartered's Geoff Kendrick has been particularly bullish, forecasting BTC could climb to $120,000 by mid-year, with the potential to hit $200,000 by year-end. 'Global liquidity – essentially how much money is available in the global economy and a metric which the crypto markets closely mirror – is forecast to increase throughout the remainder of the year. Governments have trillions of dollars of debt from past years to refinance. Whether it is through quantitative easing or other means, as more money becomes available or newly introduced, it tends to find its way into markets, pushing up asset prices,' Peters explained. The broader fundamentals also appears strong. The global digital currency market size was estimated at $5.7 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 13.1 per cent from 2025 to 2030. This growth is being driven by institutional adoption and mainstream acceptance, with decentralised currency companies employing about 1.9 million people worldwide, with 228,700 new jobs added last year. 'Furthermore, as interest rates and borrowing costs fall for the consumer, the oversupply that was once going to debt repayments may find its way into crypto markets,' he added. Volatility and risks persist The virtual currency market's volatility continues to remain a concern. The first quarter of 2025 proved challenging for the market, with Bitcoin suffering its worst quarter performance in seven years, characterised by significant volatility and a prevailing downward trend. 'Before investing in general, one needs to consider their time horizon, i.e how long they can stay invested, as this will dictate how far along the risk curve one could go and if crypto should be considered in the first place. If the investor has a long-time horizon then crypto, as it is generally considered the most volatile of the asset classes, could be considered,' Peters explained. Regulatory uncertainty continues to shadow the market. The Bookings Institution highlighted ongoing concerns about market integrity, highlighting that this regulatory gap has created an environment in which scams, market manipulation, and misleading markets flourish, often retail investors' expense. The scale of market manipulation remains substantial, with Chainalysis' 2025 Crypto Crime Report identifying over $2.57 billion in potential 'wash trading' activity. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned about systemic risks, particularly in emerging markets. Widespread adoption of blockchain-based assets in these countries could undermine the effectiveness of monetary policy, circumvent capital flow management measures, exacerbate fiscal risks and divert resources from financing the real economy. Financial crime remains a persistent challenge, with regulators and policymakers expected to focus scrutiny on crypto-enabled investment scams frequently known as 'pig butchering' throughout 2025. Peters also highlighted the impact of geopolitical factors on the crypto market, explaining that, 'Geopolitical factors such as the current conflict in the Middle East could cause some fear and uncertainty to spread amongst markets, crypto included. If the agreed ceasefire between Israel and Iran is broken, we could see a sell-off.' 'In addition, reciprocal tariffs imposed by the US on its trade partners will be one to watch in the coming months as this has impacted crypto markets previously,' he added. The regulatory landscape The regulatory environment is experiencing significant changes that could impact investment decisions. Early 2025 has seen a surge in legislative proposals aimed at imposing stricter disclosure requirements, improved reserve management, and operational transparency for stablecoin issuers. The Trump administration's crypto-friendly stance has created new optimism in the sector. The administration's support for stablecoins and other cryptocurrencies could reduce regulatory enforcement and drive adoption, according to Grant Thornton's analysis. The shift was highlighted at the World Economic Forum's Davos 2025 meetings, where Donald Trump's pro-crypto stance is expected to lead to new regulation in the US, with experts discussing whether other countries might follow suit. The Middle East: A regional crypto hub The Middle East has emerged as a strong player in the global virtual currency landscape, with the UAE leading regional adoption and regulatory clarity. The UAE handled over $25 billion in crypto transactions in 2022, with over 1,000 crypto firms operating under strict licensing and AML rules, positioning the country as a leading crypto-friendly jurisdiction globally. Dubai has established itself as a global crypto hub, with Statista predicting that the market in the UAE will reach $254.3 million in revenue by 2025. The emirate's regulatory framework, overseen by the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), has attracted international attention and investment. Recent developments highlight the UAE's commitment to digital assets. In December, the state introduced its first UAE dirham-backed stablecoin – AE Coin, and last month, investment group MGX made a $2 billion investment in Binance – one of the largest deals ever in the crypto industry. This level of institutional commitment signals the country's intent to become a global digital finance center. The broader MENA region shows significant crypto adoption, with Turkey ranking as the largest market in MENA and seventh globally, receiving $136.8 billion in value. The UAE's balanced market benefits from regulatory clarity, while Turkey sees market maturation from stablecoins and high consumer engagement. However, the regional landscape remains varied. Saudi Arabia maintains a more cautious approach, with crypto having quasi-legal status, while Qatar imposes more restrictive measures. Saudi Arabia's cautious approach hasn't prevented significant investment interest. Corporate venture capital investors accounted for 30 per cent of all unique investors in Saudi Arabia's venture market in 2024, higher than any other country in the MENA region. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's commitment to $600 billion in U.S. investments, with $20 billion going into AI and data centres, positions the crypto and blockchain industries to benefit from this infrastructure surge. The regional crypto ecosystem's maturation is evidenced by global venture capital investments in crypto companies totalling $5.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025, the best quarter since mid-2022, with significant activity centred in Dubai and the broader Gulf region. Investment considerations for 2025 For potential investors considering cryptocurrency exposure, several factors warrant careful consideration: Market timing: While Bitcoin has showed remarkable gains, conservative forecasts place Bitcoin trading consistently above $80,440 throughout the year, while more bullish projections suggest a ceiling of $151,200. This represents significant potential upscale but also substantial downside risk from current levels. Portfolio allocation: The recommendation from established financial advisors suggests that crypto can play a meaningful role in diversified portfolios but the 10 per cent to 40 per cent allocation range indicates this should be balanced against traditional assets and individual risk tolerance. Regulatory evolution: The changing regulatory landscape presents both opportunities and risks. While a more favourable regulatory environment could drive institutional adoption, new rules could also impact market dynamics and individual investment strategies. Technology and adoption: The employment growth and institutional infrastructure development suggest the cryptocurrency ecosystem is maturing beyond speculation toward utility-driven value creation. Cautious optimism with risk management The current market presents opportunities alongside substantial risks. The combination of improving institutional adoption, favourable regulatory trends, and continued technological development supports the case for strategic crypto exposure. However, the market's inherent volatility, regulatory uncertainties, and potential for manipulation demand careful risk management. 'Understand your time horizon first and how long you are prepared to be invested for. If you will need your capital back soon, perhaps you're looking to put a deposit down on a property for example, then crypto is probably not the best asset class to invest in at this moment in time,' Peters said. For those considering investment in 2025, the key lies in implementing a disciplined approach that aligns with personal risk tolerance and investment objectives. The dramatic price movements seen throughout 2025 demonstrate both the potential rewards and the risks that continue to define this evolving asset class. 'If you are prepared to hold for years then crypto could be an asset class to consider. Holding long-term gives you time to see a potential return on investment, as well as time for the crypto markets to recover from any crashes that could and very often do happen,' he explained. As with any high-risk, high-reward investment, education, proper diversification, and careful position sizing remain the fundamental principles for navigating the dynamic market. 'Finally, only invest with money that you can afford to lose. Rather than deploying all of your capital at one time, consider dollar-cost-averaging (i.e. investing a fixed amount of money into an asset at regular intervals) as this could reduce the risk of investing right before a downturn in the crypto markets and also dollar-cost averaging could potentially lower your average cost basis, giving you a greater return in the long run,' Peters concluded.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store