The 3rd Annual MENA Conversational AI Summit Brought Forward the Future of Conversational AI

Over the course of the past two days, the 14th and 15th of March, the 3rd Annual MENA Conversational AI  Summit 2023 was concluded, leaving behind the resonance of the copious knowledge and insight that was  shared in the course of its duration. “Conversational AI is becoming the future of consumer interaction.”  Said Aruna Raj – Group head of data analytics & AI at Emaar properties, a statement that reflected the  purpose of this year’s summit.  

Captivating discussions during the summit focused on the future trajectory of conversational AI and how  it must be integrated into business operations to maximize efficiencies. “We’re talking about opening a  door to dealing with digitalization, which we didn’t have before.” Enthralling words said by Lubna Salah  Zaitouni – Member of the Metaverse Committee, at the Ministry of Economy in the UAE. Usman Wattoo  – Senior Account Executive MENA at Cognigy, our valued platinum sponsor for the event, shared thought provoking ideologies during his keynote session, “Organizations have to be open to Open AI if they want  to ensure consumers are getting the information with accuracy and speed.” This was the epitome of a lively discussion as to how businesses operating in today’s market are expected to adapt, innovate and  integrate conversational AI to maximize their consumer interaction and satisfaction.  

The summit featured a diverse range of speakers, including industry experts and thought leaders, who covered a wide variety of topics including the impact of conversational AI on the healthcare, retail, as well  as travel & tourism industries, and of course its impact on the consumer experience. The lively and  interactive panel discussions created opportunities for gripping discussions and conclusions to be reached  regarding where conversational AI is seen to go. Shameed Sait – Head of Artificial Intelligence at GEMS  Education, during his panel discussion on the next generation of AI, pointed out the relative development  the technology has undergone, “Many conversational AI today can pinpoint issues with the user and find  specific solutions to maximize their problem-solving.”  

Hany Sayed – Group CIO at D&B Properties - provided notions that created an impact during the summit  with strong words regarding what must be prioritized when implementing conversational AI were  discussed, “When implementing any new technology PPT is important, People, Process and Technology,  technology must come last.” An intriguing thought put forward by Hany where highlighted - while  technological integration is key, as long as the priority remains on the people and procedures behind the  implementation. 

The amalgamation of the knowledge and perspectives gathered over the course of the 3rd Annual MENA  Conversational AI Summit, shined great light into the world of conversational AI and how its  implementation will positively create momentous change.  

This year’s summit was also supported by some of the leading experts in conversational AI and technology  such as NICE, Cognigy MENA FZE & IST Networks, IGT Solutions & LivePerson, Freshworks, NovelVox,  Kore.AI, Softengi, Spitch.AI, and NeuralSpace, who actively participate in the provision of transformational  technologies in the customer service arena and more.