logo
episode-header-image
May 13
35m 51s

From Heritage to High-Tech: Dr. Najwa Aa...

Boston Consulting Group BCG
About this episode

The Middle East is investing in more than just the technologies of tomorrow, it’s investing in the people, ideas, and institutions that will shape them. In this episode of Flavors of Ambition, we speak with Dr. Najwa Aaraj, CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi, to explore how the UAE is building world-class capabilities in deep tech, from cryptography and quantum computing to AI and robotics.

Dr. Aaraj shares her journey from studying cryptography in the U.S. to leading one of the region’s most ambitious R&D institutions. We explore how the region is accelerating innovation through targeted investment, talent development, and real-world application. And what that means for the future of the digital economy.

We also examine how leadership, collaboration, and bold national vision are laying the foundation for global competitiveness, while staying rooted in the cultural values that define the region’s identity.

Joining the conversation is Faisal Hamady, Managing Director and Partner at BCG, who shares how the Gulf is fostering agile, innovation-driven ecosystems, and why the region is emerging as a key player in the next wave of digital transformation.

If you’re curious about how the Middle East is moving from technology adopter to technology creator, this episode is a must-listen.

Links:

Dr Najwa Aaraj on LinkedIn

Technology Innovation Institute

Faisal Hamady on Linkedin

BCG Middle East

Email Flavors of Ambition: flavorsofambition@bcg.com

Up next
Jul 2
Smart Systems, Human Goals: Joseph Bradley on Designing the Middle East’s AI-Powered Future
The Middle East is building the future of cities from the ground up, with bold ambition and long-term vision. From cognitive cities to AI-enabled governance, the region is transforming into a living lab for the technologies, systems, and societies of tomorrow.In this episode of F ... Show More
33m 20s
Apr 22
Think Local, Build Global: Fadi Ghandour’s Blueprint for Scaling a Thriving Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
True impact isn’t measured by what you build for yourself—it’s defined by what you create for others.In this episode of Flavors of Ambition, we sit down with Fadi Ghandour, co-founder of Aramex and a trailblazer in Middle Eastern entrepreneurship, investment, and digital transfor ... Show More
37m 28s
Apr 8
Funding Change, Not Just Charity: Maysa Jalbout on Driving Lasting Impact in Philanthropy
The act of giving isn’t just tradition—it’s a responsibility. But to create real, lasting impact, philanthropy must go beyond generosity. It needs strategy, collaboration, and a long-term vision.In this episode of Flavors of Ambition, we sit down with Maysa Jalbout, Global Educat ... Show More
47m 50s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 5
How SRTIP Became a Regional Powerhouse for Innovation – Dr. Fareed Alameeri
We’re live in studio with Dr. Fareed Mahmoud Alameeri, Chief Strategy Officer at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), fresh off their recent win at Seamless Middle East 2025 — where SRTIP was honored as a leading research center in the region. In this con ... Show More
12m 50s
Apr 28
Steering Innovation Through Change with Coupa’s Leagh Turner
We want to hear from you! Email us at BCGInHerEllement@bcg.com with a voice memo describing your In Your Ellement moment. We might feature your story in an upcoming episode!***How do today’s business leaders balance performance with empathy in a changing world?Leagh Turner is the ... Show More
32m 8s
May 12
Driving National-Scale Innovation with Pritha Mehra
We want to hear from you! Email us at BCGInHerEllement@bcg.com with a voice memo describing your In Your Ellement moment. We might feature your story in an upcoming episode!***Pritha Mehra is the Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President of the U.S. Postal Service, w ... Show More
27m 51s
Dec 2024
3124: Designing for Innovation: How HED is Transforming STEM Workspaces
What role does design play in shaping the future of STEM innovation? In this episode, I’m joined by Marilee Lloyd, a seasoned architect and Senior Laboratory Planner at HED, one of the most established architecture and engineering firms in the country. With over 38 years of exper ... Show More
39m 6s
Mar 2025
AI for Good: Generative AI’s Impact & Elevating Women in STEM
In this episode of the Data Science Salon Podcast, host Anna Anisin sits down with two powerhouse leaders shaping the future of AI and inclusivity in tech. First, Jennetta George, SVP of AI at AlixPartners & CEO of Artificially Intelligent, shares her expertise on leveraging Gene ... Show More
38m 25s
Jan 2025
How the New Administration Will Impact Crypto, AI & Tech Globally w/ Ben Horowitz & Salim Ismail | EP #145
In this episode, Ben, Peter, and Salim discuss recent tech, AI, robotics, and crypto news and what the new administration means for tech enthusiasts.   Recorded on Jan 23rd, 2024Views are my own thoughts; not Financial, Medical, or Legal Advice. Ben Horowitz is a prominent busine ... Show More
1h 5m
Apr 14
Driving Innovation Through Open Source with Amazon’s Nithya Ruff
We want to hear from you! Email us at BCGInHerEllement@bcg.com with a voice memo describing your In Your Ellement moment. We might feature your story in an upcoming episode!***Could open source be the key to building trustworthy AI?Nithya is Director of Amazon’s Open Source Progr ... Show More
31m 38s
Aug 2024
How FinTech is evolving in the Middle East
In this episode of Business Extra, we explore the rapidly evolving FinTech landscape in the Middle East, where new apps and products are constantly emerging with promises of easier financial transactions and innovative money management solutions. Among these players, Dubai-based ... Show More
15m 39s
Jan 2025
Trailblazing Leadership: Dina Amin's Journey in Tech and Empowerment in the Middle East
Discover how Dina Amin, the powerhouse behind Google Cloud's marketing in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, navigates the dynamic world of tech leadership. As she shares her decade-long journey with Google, Dina opens up about the nuanced challenges women face in leadersh ... Show More
12m 34s
Mar 2025
Building an innovative bank — and how to lead it — with Mashreq Group CEO Ahmed Abdelaal (Ep 23)
After more than five years at Mashreq’s helm, Group CEO Ahmed Abdelaal is a well-known face in the regional banking industry and beyond. Ahmed has led the bank through an ambitious expansion strategy that has seen it recently open Mashreq Oman, in addition to Mashreq Neo in Egypt ... Show More
42m 52s