👋 A Warm Welcome to AI for GCC's Friday Edition

Your weekly digest of meaningful AI updates in and for the Gulf region

This week, we are seeing what happens when global AI tools meet Gulf ambition. From wearable tech and medical diagnostics to pitch deck generators and video creation, artificial intelligence is no longer a concept for the future. It is becoming a practical tool for creators, entrepreneurs, educators, and public leaders across the region.

🔍 What’s Inside

• Google Shorts goes AI with Veo 3
• Gulf nations aim for 320 billion dollars in AI value
• Gamma 3.0 makes full presentations in 60 seconds
• Meta unveils smart glasses with AI functions
• Abu Dhabi’s AI tool transforms MS diagnosis
• Professors warn against AI misuse in education
• Arabic AI models gain traction in Saudi and UAE
• Prompt of the Week: Make short videos for your business
• Newsletter pick: Letter from Shakeb Feroze

Google Brings AI Video Creation to YouTube Shorts

Google has introduced Veo 3, a new AI video tool now integrated into YouTube Shorts. It lets users turn a simple text prompt into an 8-second vertical video. Creators can add objects, animate motion, turn dialogue into music, and apply effects without any editing skills.

Although the feature is rolling out first in the US, Canada, and UK, the creative possibilities for the Gulf are exciting. Content creators, educators, and small businesses can now launch video content faster than ever with just an idea and a few words.

Gulf AI Economy Set to Reach 320 Billion Dollars by 2030

A report by PwC predicts that artificial intelligence could contribute 320 billion dollars to the Middle East economy by 2030. Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar are leading the region’s AI transformation through national strategies, funding, and innovation.

Saudi Arabia alone expects AI to make up 12 percent of its GDP by 2030, supported by national programs and Arabic-language models like ALLaM. With cloud infrastructure and low-cost energy, the Gulf has a real chance to become a global AI powerhouse.

Gamma 3.0 Lets You Create Smart Presentations in Seconds

Gamma 3.0 is a new AI tool that builds professional pitch decks and presentations in under 60 seconds from a single text prompt. It combines research, writing, and design in one workflow.

It automatically:

• Adds real data and smart visuals
• Structures your content logically
• Includes citations and references
• Translates into Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, and more

For Gulf startups, consultants, and educators, Gamma is a fast and free way to turn ideas into impactful visuals.

Meta Unveils AI Smart Glasses with Ray-Ban and Oakley

At its Meta Connect conference, Meta launched a new generation of smart glasses. These wearable devices feature a full-color display, voice controls, a 12-megapixel camera, and even a neural wristband that lets users interact with small hand gestures.

While the demo had its hiccups, the real use cases for the Gulf are promising. Think guided tourism, field service communication, or hands-free retail experiences powered by voice and AI.

Abu Dhabi’s AI Tool Speeds Up MS Diagnosis

Researchers in Abu Dhabi have created an AI tool that improves diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Built by NYUAD, Yas Clinic, and ADSCC, the tool analyzes MRIs to detect the “central vein sign”, a biomarker for MS now globally recognized.

This is a milestone in showing how locally driven AI research can impact lives and reduce diagnostic delays. It also highlights the Gulf’s growing strength in combining data science and clinical care.

Professors Warn Against Misuse of AI in Universities

In a recent opinion piece, two UK professors argue that generative AI is being widely misused by students. Instead of enhancing learning, it is replacing reading, research, and critical thinking with shortcuts and surface-level answers.

As Gulf universities adopt more AI in their classrooms, the question is not whether to use AI, but how to guide its ethical and educational use in a way that supports deeper learning.

Arabic Language AI Models Are Taking Shape

Arabic-language large models are finally being built from the region, by the region. With over six models in development, including Jais from the UAE and ALLaM from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf is making a serious move toward language and data sovereignty.

These tools are being designed for use across government, education, and enterprise settings, offering more culturally aware and locally useful results than English-first models.

✏️ Prompt of the Week

Create Short Videos with AI for Your Business
Try this prompt using Google Veo or another AI video generator:

You can tweak this for a perfume ad, café launch, fashion brand, or product teaser. Let AI handle the visuals while you focus on the message.

🎥 Watch the Prompt in Action

Example of AI Video for Real Estate Marketing

Shared by @aiforgcc on TikTok

📚 Recommended Read

If you enjoy storytelling that builds trust and drives results, explore Letter from Shakaib Feroz . This newsletter blends epic brand stories with sharp business thinking. It is ideal for marketers, founders, and content creators who want to write with impact.

💡 Final Thought

AI is no longer a future trend. It is already shaping how we work, learn, sell, and solve problems across the Gulf. Whether you are building a business, leading a classroom, or launching a campaign, staying informed is no longer optional.

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Until next Friday,
Team AI for GCC
Helping the Gulf lead with intelligence that matters