Couchonomics with Arjun Ep 110. Fintech Frontier: AI & Blockchain Leading the Future with Marwan Alzarouni
Feb 11, 2025
Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of AI at the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, shares insights on how AI and blockchain are revolutionizing Dubai's economic landscape. He discusses the pivotal role of these technologies in enhancing government efficiency and security. The conversation also delves into the intersection of AI and entrepreneurship, highlighting their impact on jobs and innovation. Alzarouni emphasizes Dubai's strategic vision for a tech-driven future, focusing on empowering both employees and the entrepreneurial ecosystem through emerging technology.
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Dubai's Blockchain Journey
- Dr. Alzarouni recounts Dubai's blockchain journey, starting with a small Bitcoin conference in 2014.
- This led to increased interest, classes, a growing community, and eventually, the Dubai Blockchain Strategy in 2016.
Dubai's AI Strategy
- Dubai's AI strategy has been aggressive and forward-looking, including appointing the world's first AI minister.
- They also prioritized AI ethics early on, focusing on human impact, transparency, and bias.
AI in Dubai's Tourism
- Dr. Alzarouni shares how AI has improved marketing in Dubai, particularly in understanding customer behavior and conversion.
- AI also enhances customer service by enabling faster response times and scaling human expertise through chatbots.