Inaugural SIFAMO AI Summit to showcase cognitive transformation for businesses
Explore how next-gen AI solutions redefine productivity at the February 18 summit
As rapid technological advances change the way we work and play, businesses need to go beyond digital transformation and look at cognitive transformation to reap the benefits of AI. Unlike digital transformation, which focuses on digitising existing processes, cognitive transformation takes these digitised processes, leverages AI to identify patterns, makes predictions, and rethinks business models. It evaluates whether AI implementation is appropriate and, if so, transforms them into intelligent systems, explains Umair Zaffar, Co-founder and CEO of IT and software development consultancy SIFAMO. "Cognitive transformation is the future because every process needs to become intelligent, enabling organisations to operate more effectively, make data-driven decisions, and adapt to changing environments," he says.
To position cognitive transformation as a cornerstone of progress in the AI industry and help organisations unlock its full potential, the Berlin-headquartered SIFAMO is hosting the SIFAMO AI Summit in Dubai on February 18.
“Launching our first event in Dubai symbolises the beginning of our journey in the world of AI,” says Zaffar.
“Dubai, with its strategic location between the East and the West, serves as a global hub for technological advancements, attracting leading AI industry figures and decision-makers. In a globalised world where every country has its capital city, Dubai stands out as the capital of the world—and at its heart is the Burj Khalifa. More than just the tallest building in the world, it is a symbol of vision, ambition, and limitless possibilities. Hosting the summit at the iconic Armani Ballroom within this landmark reflects our intent to begin this journey with impact and inspire transformative innovation through AI.”
SIFAMO AI Summit 2025 is the first in a series of global events, with future summits planned in other cities worldwide, reinforcing the company’s commitment to shaping the future of AI and driving meaningful transformation on a global scale.
The inaugural summit aims to provide attendees with the tools and knowledge to effectively integrate AI into their businesses. “Unlike traditional summits, our focus is on delivering actionable insights to help you effectively implement AI within your organisation, ensuring a tangible ROI and positioning your business as a leader in your industry,” he says.
The full-day summit features a stellar line-up of speakers including Zaffar, alongside interactive workshops and opportunities for strategic networking. In his session, Cognitive Transformation, Zaffar will share his expertise built over years working for global powerhouses like Bosch, DHL, Belron, and the German government. He will showcase top-tier AI solutions for businesses to streamline operations, enhance decision-making and drive growth.
SIFAMO Co-founder Ayman Kalaie will talk about integrating AI into modern applications in his workshop on Empowering Developers to Build Smarter Applications with AI. The session is a must-attend for developers to learn practical methods for leveraging cutting-edge tools like Spring Boot, Spring AI, and OpenAI to enhance the functionality and efficiency of their projects. "This isn’t just about adding AI—it’s about transforming the way we think about application design," explains Kalaie.
Andrea Iorio, digital transformation expert and former Head of Tinder Latin America and Chief Digital Officer at L’Oréal Brazil, will explore the intersection of AI, user experience, and business growth. He identifies digital illiteracy, misalignment with business pain points, and employee resistance as significant challenges in organisations’ AI transformation journeys. He emphasises the need to invest in digital literacy and align technology with business needs to overcome these hurdles.
"Foster a digital-first culture, with leaders recognising new skills such as adaptability and promoting leadership in digital behaviours," he says. "Monitor and adapt by tracking progress with KPIs, showcasing and scaling positive results to engage workers, and learning from mistakes to continuously improve and adjust."
TechWomen100 2019 Champion and Founder-CEO of LotusAI, Didem Ün Ateş will present practical strategies for scaling AI in large organisations. "As the demand for AI talent far outpaces supply, the key to successful AI implementation lies in upskilling and reskilling existing workforce,” she says. “At LotusAI, we've discovered through our client partnerships that strategic talent transformation isn't just about technical training – it's about cultivating a complete mindset shift.
“While AI literacy is foundational, the true catalysts for success are fostering a culture of innovation and inclusion, demonstrating leadership commitment, and building strong change management capabilities. We've found that organisations thrive when they focus on developing their talent's capacity for responsible AI practices, encouraging experimental mindsets, and embracing role fluidity. This comprehensive approach enables teams to adapt continuously and collaborate effectively with AI systems, turning technological potential into tangible business outcomes."
OECD AI member and Cambride University researcher Walter Pasquarelli will offer insights into synthetic reality and AI-driven innovation in his session while Founder-CEO of Bedrock AI and Diverse AI, Toju Duke will take a deep dive into ethical AI and its role in fostering inclusion during her keynote.
With AI’s potential growing exponentially, it’s time for organisations to seize the moment and future-proof their business. “Companies that fail to adopt it risk being left behind,” says Zaffar. “Delaying AI integration means missing the chance to redefine your business’s future.”
AI ensures adaptability in a rapidly changing market, helping businesses anticipate challenges and seize new opportunities.
“For those who aim to remain competitive, achieve meaningful results with AI, and build a network of high-value connections, the SIFAMO AI Summit 2025 is not just another event—it’s the definitive platform to accelerate your journey to success,” emphasises Zaffar.
To learn more about the summit, visit Sifamo.ai
This content comes from Reach by Gulf News, which is the branded content team of GN Media.