It’s almost hard to recall a time before Generative AI became a staple in discussions. Within a few short years, it has moved from niche tech circles to a major influence on headlines, boardroom strategies, and casual coffee chats.
In the GCC, the adoption rate is particularly remarkable. McKinsey research indicates our region leads globally, with 74% of organizations utilizing Generative AI in at least one function, surpassing the global average of 65%. In certain GCC markets, over half of business leaders predict AI will deliver substantial financial benefits within three years, highlighting its integration into long-term national prosperity visions.
The personal touch of Generative AI is fascinating. Beyond powering billion-dollar projects and shaping future economies, it’s becoming part of the daily lives of individuals. A recent survey in the Middle East and Africa revealed that 100% of respondents have used tools like ChatGPT, with 68% incorporating it into their daily or weekly tasks, from drafting documents to crafting creative ideas. AI is no longer a distant technology; it’s integral to how we think, work, and communicate.
However, there’s a gap between experimentation and achieving tangible results. Many organizations are stuck in “pilot purgatory,” conducting trials without integrating AI at scale. For individuals, the shift is quicker if the technology is intuitive and fits seamlessly into existing habits. At Samsung, we focus on making AI practical from the moment you pick up your device.
Fadi Abu Shamat, Vice-President and Head of Mobile eXperience Division, Samsung Gulf Electronics.
With the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, this philosophy is realized in practical ways. These devices are not just about the wow factor of foldable design — they’re crafted to help users navigate a faster, more connected world. Consider Live Translate: in a region where cross-border collaboration is routine, it turns voice calls into bilingual conversations in real time, without requiring additional apps.
Face-to-face, Interpreter mode transforms the devices into a shared translation screen, allowing both parties to follow the conversation in their own language. Whether in a business meeting in Riyadh, negotiating in Doha, or traveling for leisure, it’s a real-world example of how Generative AI can make global communication seamless and stress-free.
The link between productivity and AI is equally strong. Samsung’s Note Assist uses AI to transform raw, unstructured notes — meeting minutes, brainstorms, to-do lists — into organized, concise summaries. This addresses a modern reality where knowledge workers spend up to 58% of their time on “work about work” instead of high-value activities. By streamlining this process, the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7 help shift that balance.
Similarly, Now Brief condenses lengthy reports or articles into clear overviews in seconds, particularly relevant in the GCC, where decision-makers often handle multilingual content from regional and global sources. The Galaxy Z Fold7’s large display allows you to review the original document alongside the AI-generated summary, simplifying verification and quick action.
What excites me most about these features is how they reflect the GCC’s broader AI journey… from experimentation to meaningful, scaled impact. Just as governments here are investing in AI infrastructure, training millions in AI skills, and embedding it into public services, we’re embedding it into personal tech, so the benefits are immediate and personal. The end goal is the same: to equip people with tools that make them more capable, confident, and connected.
This is the promise of Generative AI when it’s not confined to labs or pilot programs. When AI can translate your ongoing conversation, organize your meeting notes before you leave the room, or distill key points from a 20-page report on the go, that’s when it ceases to be a buzzword and becomes a companion.
With the Galaxy Z Fold7 and Galaxy Z Flip7, our goal isn’t just to put advanced AI in your pocket but to ensure it serves you in crucial moments. The true value of AI lies in how naturally it integrates into your life, not in the sophistication of its algorithms. When it does, it transforms not only what your phone can do but also what you can achieve and how you live your life.
Fadi Abu Shamat is Vice-President and Head of Mobile eXperience Division, Samsung Gulf Electronics.
