Agenda

This opening panel will set the stage by directly addressing the erosion of digital trust that characterizes the “Intelligent Age.” Instead of a single viewpoint, diverse leaders will dissect the multifaceted nature of the trust deficit. Discussions will revolve around:

• Root Causes: What factors (data breaches, misinformation, lack of transparency, geopolitical tensions, rapid tech deployment without safeguards) have most significantly contributed to the current trust deficit?
• Tangible Impacts: How is the lack of trust manifesting across industries, impacting consumer behavior, business strategy, innovation adoption, and international relations?
• Navigational Challenges: What are the primary obstacles organizations and society face in trying to operate and innovate effectively within this low-trust environment?
• Pathways Forward: Initial high-level thoughts on the essential pillars for rebuilding trust – exploring the interplay between robust security, transparent technology (especially AI), ethical frameworks, effective governance, and corporate responsibility.
• Urgency: Establishing why addressing the trust deficit is not just a technical challenge, but a fundamental requirement for realizing the positive potential of the Intelligent Age.

• Focus: This session dissects the critical intersection where the rapid deployment of Artificial Intelligence collides with the broader “perfect storm” of geopolitical tensions, complex supply chain interdependencies, and evolving regulations. It will explore why the AI security paradox (knowing the risks but deploying insecurely) exists and how it dramatically amplifies existing global cyber risks, creating unique challenges for organizations operating from globally connected hubs like UAE.
• Root Causes: Geopolitical tensions, complex supply chains, and lagging regulations fuel cyber risks. Simultaneously, the competitive rush to deploy AI often outpaces security frameworks and expertise, creating the AI security paradox and compounding the overall threat landscape faced by global organizations, including those operating from Dubai.
• Tangible Impacts: Expect wider attack surfaces, AI-enhanced threats, and supply chain breaches targeting AI. Misinformation campaigns rise, business disruption looms, and trust erodes. Companies face conflicting regulations and severe financial/reputational damage from incidents exploiting these converging vulnerabilities in our interconnected world.
• Navigational Challenges: Balancing rapid AI innovation with security is tough. Securing global AI lifecycles, vetting vendors, and navigating fragmented regulations pose hurdles. Attributing sophisticated attacks, understanding opaque AI, and closing the AI-security skills gap are significant obstacles for businesses worldwide, demanding new approaches.
• Pathways Forward: Implement robust AI governance and specific security tools. Enforce vendor security, boost internal collaboration (cyber, AI, legal), and use threat intelligence. Develop AI-specific incident response plans, advocate for clear standards, and ensure continuous monitoring are key steps for navigating this landscape successfully.
• Urgency: This convergence is critical now. AI adoption and geopolitical cyber threats are accelerating. Supply chains remain weak points. Delaying strong action on AI security drastically increases exposure to severe incidents and erodes the digital trust essential for future success, particularly for global hubs like UAE.