AI Appreciation Day 2025: Innovation with Ethics and Trust
AI Appreciation Day, observed on July 16, is more than a tribute to technological achievement it is a call for ethical and inclusive innovation. As AI systems transform business, security, and daily life, global leaders agree that the path forward must combine intelligence with integrity.
The Middle East continues to emerge as a hub for responsible AI development. Companies are prioritizing explainability, transparency, and human oversight. Meanwhile, global partnerships are shaping standards that prioritize not only what AI can do but what it should do. While these developments signal immense progress, leaders also acknowledge the increasing need for ethical governance in this space.
AI’s role in everything from sustainability to cybersecurity shows its far-reaching influence. However, as technology evolves, the call for accountability grows louder. Transitioning from hype to real-world use cases requires a deeper commitment to trust, inclusivity, and security values echoed by experts across sectors.
Responsible Development and Security
Rahul Misra of IFS emphasized the need to “align profit with principles,” urging companies to scale both innovation and responsibility. Similarly, Rob T. Lee from SANS Institute highlighted the dangers of prioritizing speed without proper safeguards, warning that “Speed without safety undermines trust.”
Environmental responsibility is also taking center stage. AVEVA’s Joanna Mainguy noted that AI must reduce its digital carbon footprint, collaborating with global initiatives to lower emissions. Ezzeldin Hussein from SentinelOne reinforced the importance of diversity in data and teams, advocating for AI systems that are “transparent and explainable.”
Ethics is not just about design, it must be embedded in organizational culture. Ramprakash Ramamoorthy of ManageEngine stated that continuous upskilling and responsible automation are key to sustainable progress. Likewise, Bernard Montel of Tenable reminded us that AI should “augment human capabilities, not replace them.”
The use of AI in mobile and cybersecurity is rapidly expanding. Subho Halder from Appknox explained how AI enhances mobile app security, enabling businesses to stay ahead of evolving threats. At Trend Micro, Salah Suleiman spoke of AI’s shift from reactive to proactive defense systems, safeguarding digital ecosystems.
Driving Human-Centric Impact
Ethical AI is inseparable from user trust. ASUS Business’s Mohit Bector stressed that “People will not trust what they do not understand,” reinforcing the role of transparency. At Mozn, Abdullah Alsaeed emphasized solutions rooted in cultural understanding and purpose.
Meanwhile, some companies are looking to democratize AI itself. Dinesh Varadhrajan from Kissflow stated that combining AI with low-code tools empowers more people to participate in building, not just consuming, digital solutions.
Agentic and generative AI are gaining momentum in the region. Levent Ergin of Informatica noted that MENA nations are uniquely positioned to lead in inclusive innovation. Matt Cloke of Endava encouraged leaders to treat AI as a continual business enabler not just a trend.
Security, sustainability, and performance remain major focal points. Axis Communications’ Assim Khedr reported that 34% of customers already see AI as critical to future operations. Inna Weiner from AppsFlyer added that true impact lies in rapid execution and learning, not flashy demos.
Leaders in data and cybersecurity also weighed in. Ziad Nasr of Acronis emphasized the need for balance between innovation and ethical responsibility. At Cohesity, Johnny Karam praised the UAE’s proactive AI leadership and commitment to digital sovereignty. Autodesk’s Naji Atallah pointed to the nation’s AI Strategy 2031 as a benchmark in inclusive and sustainable AI.
In closing, Philippe Deblois of Dynatrace warned against overpromising and underdelivering, arguing that success comes from “trusted data, clear goals, and measurable outcomes.” Finally, Nader Paslar of CODE81 highlighted how machine learning is helping transform finance by making systems more secure, adaptive, and resilient.
