https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/feed.xml Wed, 17 Apr 2019 03:47:08 GMT en-US hourly 1 https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/what-blockchain-means-for-the-middle-east Mon, 20 Mar 2017 09:15:17 GMT https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/?p=1685 Blockchain technology is being hailed as the potential ‘second generation of the Internet’. Like many innovations coming to market, Blockchain promises to disrupt the way we do business and revolutionise the financial services industry. Blockchain, which has been referred to as the incorruptible digital ledger of economic transactions, first gained popularity with the digital cryptocurrency, bitcoin. Blockchain is expected to have a market value of $290 billion by 2019 and has captured the interest of business leaders, government institutions, academics and technology providers across the world. Financial institutions in particular have been experimenting with these technologies to run their businesses more efficiently. Why Blockchain for the Middle East  Blockchain technology is still relatively new in the Middle East but it has the potential to completely revolutionise the economy in this region. Here are a few ways Blockchain could reshape business and financial services in the region:

• Smarter and more efficient services With this technology you can trade value with another person without having a third party as an intermediary. Blockchain will get rid of cumbersome, costly and bureaucratic legacy systems because it removes the middleman. The right application of this technology could assist in elevating the level of smart services provided to citizens in the Middle East from a cost, time and efficiency perspective.

• Creating an ‘Internet of value’ Blockchain not only stores information, but anything of value, including money, equities, bonds, titles, deeds, contracts and other kinds of financial assets. Blockchain technologies offer the opportunity to create an economy that isn’t only about goods and services, but is also more open, inclusive and fair. This is particularly relevant for the Middle East and Africa where a large portion of the population is unbanked. These people are excluded from the global economy because they can’t open a bank account without a birth certificate, passport or utility bill or because they have insufficient funds.

• Truth, trust and transparency With Blockchain, trust is established through mass collaboration and intelligent algorithms rather than through centralised intermediaries like banks or governments. The system is also fully transparent because transactions can be viewed and corroborated by anyone else using the system. For the Middle East, this could alleviate many of the problems arising from corruption and fraud. The implications of this are important, not only for the financial services industry but also across most aspects of society.

• Decentralisation and security Traditionally the financial services industry has always been a centralised unit of operations, meaning they are more vulnerable data breaches and cyber-terrorism. Blockchain can improve security and encrypt data during transactions, rather than when the data is moving or at rest. Because Blockchain is shared among a large number of users, it’s virtually impossible to hack into or corrupt, and once a transaction has taken place, it can’t be reversed.

Existential threat versus historic opportunity? Like many other sectors, the financial services industry is due for serious disruption, or transformation, depending on the approach it takes to the technology. On the one hand Blockchain has the potential to facilitate faster, cheaper, safer and more transparent financial transactions; on the other, it could pose a threat to the financial services industry as a whole. Opportunities abound Within the next decade, analysts believe that all financial assets will move to a Blockchain-based format. Because Blockchain technology can be deployed within existing payment processing models, banks and other financial services industry players can leverage this opportunity to remain relevant. Trusted third parties are still needed to perform certain services and functions. Banks that can help coordinate all the financial services people might use on Blockchain will also stand to benefit. In addition, the Middle East has the advantage of being a developing region. Many countries in the region aren’t bogged down by legacy infrastructure. The right application of Blockchain and other technologies could allow the region to leapfrog over entrenched and antiquated processes, and reap the rewards offered by this revolutionary technology. Microsoft and Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) Regulatory compliance will always remain key to the success of these disruptive technologies. Many financial institutions have been slow to adopt Blockchain due to regulatory and compliance issues. In 2014, Microsoft Azure became the first major cloud provider to meet both the rigorous EU privacy requirements for international transfer of customer data, and the world’s first international standard for cloud privacy (ISO 27018). Microsoft has been at the forefront of Blockchain. The company was the first major cloud provider to launch a Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) offering in 2015, enabling Azure customers to adopt Blockchain in as little as 20 minutes. The company is also working with a variety of customers and partners to develop and test Blockchain to help businesses select the right tools to solve specific business problems. While Blockchain is still in its nascent phases, almost all major players in the financial services industry are looking at investing in this revolutionary technology. Those who aren’t able to ride the latest wave of disruption, risk becoming irrelevant.]]> https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/banking-in-the-cloud Fri, 17 Mar 2017 11:06:20 GMT https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/?p=1705 ]]> https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/meet-the-women-from-the-middle-east-who-are-making-whats-next Wed, 08 Mar 2017 14:16:28 GMT https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/?p=1665 From inventing windshield wipers to coming up with solutions that improve the lives of millions of people around the world, women have been harnessing the power of technology to do great things for their communities, families and themselves since as early as the 18^th century. In the Middle East, women have also made their mark on the world. Take Rana el Kaliouby from Egypt, who invented the technology that helps computers recognise facial expressions and other physical indicators of how someone is feeling. Or Hind Hobeika, CEO of Beirut-based startup, Instabeat, which was named one of Forbes’ Hottest Global Startups of 2013. These women are all transforming our world through technology. To mark International Women's Day this year, we are celebrating the dynamic doers, the trail-blazing trendsetters and the unsung heroes from three countries across the Middle East who are using technology to #MakeWhat’sNext: Thea Myhrvold – United Arab Emirates “Stop over analysing and start doing!” At only 26 years old, Thea is already a seasoned tech entrepreneur. After studying International Relations and Economics in Geneva with the goal of making her mark in the United Nations, Thea realised that she could make more of an impact using technology to improve access to education for young people in the Middle East. Part Arabic, part Norwegian, Thea has always been passionate about education and tutored part time while she was studying – hence TeachMeNow.com was born. TeachMeNow.com is a global marketplace for learning, which connects students and teachers all over the world in live online sessions. One of the first classes to be hosted on the platform was between a student in Saudi Arabia and a teacher in Venezuela. Thea attributes a lot of her business success to technology. “We leverage the latest Microsoft technologies to build a scalable business. We use Azure, Office Online, Azure Search, Power BI for data tracking and much more.” Thea’s message for young women wanting to pursue a career in technology: “Technology empowers everyone regardless of gender and age by democratising access for all who use it. We need more examples of women in tech to show that we can make a difference in this industry. As a young woman there are a number of challenges you may face, but it’s all about staying ahead of the game and proving that you are the best at what you do. Stop over-analysing and start doing. We all have to start somewhere. Sometimes the hardest part is getting started. Trust and know that you will figure it out along the way.”   Ayyuce Demirbas – Turkey “Nothing and no one can stop you!” When Ayyuce Demiras told her teacher she wanted to pursue a career in computer science one day, she was told, “Computers are not for women. Computer science is hard, and women have to give birth to babies and provide for their children. You should choose an easier job.” And Ayyuce’s teacher was a woman. Fast forward a few years and Ayucce, now 18 years old, has most certainly proved her teacher wrong by designing and coding several applications that got her recognised in last year’s prestigious ‘Microsoft’s Women Leaders of Technology Awards’. Ayucce remains committed to her goal of becoming a software engineer and believes technology is key in helping her achieve her dreams. “Windows and Visual Studio are the most useful to me. I use Windows on my own personal computer and I'm currently learning about Windows Kernel Achitecture. Visual Studio is a great coding tool too!” Ayucce’s message for young women wanting to pursue a career in technology: “Believe in yourself. Nothing and no-one can stop you!” Gaithaa Salah Eddin – Egypt “Technology is everywhere now, and it empowers you as a young woman” After fleeing their war-stricken home in Syria, Gaithaa and her family settled in Egypt with the hope of building a new life. Living in a different country, navigating the education system and understanding the job market in a foreign place was particularly challenging for Gaithaa. While studying computer science at university, Gaithaa decided to enrol in one of Microsoft’s YouthSpark programs and became part of the Social Innovation Hub for Women. There she learned the technical skills required to develop an app, that provides refugees in Egypt with much-needed information and skills to assimilate into Egyptian life with ease. The app, which now includes services on how to obtain and complete official documents, resources on how to find a job, links to affordable housing and connections to local NGOs working with refugees, has been a big success. Gaithaa says that it wouldn’t have been possible without the support and mentorship she received at the Social Innovation Hub, and the application of key technologies like Azure to build the application. Gaithaa’s message for young women wanting to pursue a career in technology: “Don’t let any obstacle stop you from achieving your dream. Being a woman should never stop you. Technology is everywhere, and it empowers you as a young woman.” Microsoft remains committed to closing the gender gap and creating even more opportunities for women to innovate, create and unlock the best opportunities for their future. Last year, Microsoft launched a new movement calling on young women and girls to #MakeWhatsNext. The campaign raises awareness of the issues that cause girls to drop out of or lose interest in studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM), and aims to pique their excitement and educate them in how they can change the world — if they stay engaged. The response to #MakeWhatsNext  shows that it’s clear that girls’ passion is strengthened when they see female role models who have created innovations that are used in our everyday lives. As the motto goes, “If you see it, you can be it.” For more inspirational stories of women in technology, watch this video.              ]]> https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/why-coding-is-still-the-must-have-skill-for-the-future Thu, 23 Feb 2017 10:00:40 GMT https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/?p=1645 By: Ghada Khalifa, Microsoft Philanthropies Director for Middle East and Africa Five million jobs will be lost to automation by 2020 as our world becomes more reliant on technology. This is according to the World Economic Forum, which also estimated that by 2020 the Fourth Industrial Revolution will have brought us advanced robotics and autonomous transport, artificial intelligence, machine learning, biotechnology and genomics.     It’s evident that learning new and more relevant skills is vital if we are to survive and thrive in a world increasingly dominated by technology. One skill necessary for the future world of work is coding. Futurist Marc Goodman once wrote, “If you control the code, you control the world.” More realistic is the quote by journalist and coder, Paul Ford, who said, “If coders don’t run the world, they run the things that run the world.” With the world experiencing seismic shifts in the way we live and work, there is no doubt that coding is the new literacy. Companies across all sectors are now including it as a prerequisite for job applicants, from finance to healthcare and even manufacturing. This trend is set to continue well into the future. It’s evident that young people need to become creators, not just consumers of digital technology. While not every child who learns to write will become a renowned author, nor will learning algebra turn a child into a mathematician, both are treated as foundational skills that all children should learn. Many educators agree that learning to code should be the same. Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) render learning how to code obsolete? With the world constantly changing and the pace of change taking place so rapidly, some experts fear that machine learning and AI will even make the skill of coding irrelevant. This is because machine learning uses complicated algorithms, which give computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed. However, despite fears about the effect of AI on coding skills and the job market, coding itself is not in danger of being automated out of existence. Of course coding jobs will be different in 10 years with new languages and tools constantly emerging, just as coding has evolved since its inception. However, in the future we will most likely come to appreciate both the power of human-generated code, as well as the ability of algorithms to adjust it. Humans will learn from AI and vice versa, and the skills inherent in learning to write basic code will be just as relevant in the future as they are now.   Why every child in the Middle East should learn to code Some may argue that the Middle East education system has more basic issues to prioritise in order to improve education standards throughout the region, and in many cases they do. However, there are several reasons why it’s important to teach children coding from an early age that are particularly applicable to the development of the Middle East region.

1. Coding teaches both critical and computational thinking, which instil a sense of problem-solving in children. This skill is vital for the Middle East to develop solutions that address the region’s unique challenges.
2. Digital capabilities and economic growth go together - According to a recent study by Accenture, more than a fifth of global GDP today can be attributed to some form of digital skills, capital, goods or services. Digital technology could power $2 trillion of the global economic output by 2020, clearly demonstrating its role in igniting overall economic growth.
3. Learning to code instils a sense of empowerment, agency and independence in children from an early age, which is important for fostering a culture of innovation and
4. Coding provides employment opportunities, helping contribute to the eradication of high rates of unemployment in the region.

Building a pipeline of tomorrow’s talent Microsoft believes that every young person should have the opportunity to learn computer science, giving them the problem-solving and critical thinking skills required in our tech-fuelled world. With our rising digital economy and the nonstop pace of technological change, we have an imperative to prepare young people to pursue careers that are in demand. In order to encourage more children to develop an interest in coding, Microsoft partnered with code.org to promote the worldwide Hour of Code campaign, which took place last year. The campaign aimed to encourage millions of students around the world to try one hour of coding during the annual Computer Science Education Week by trying an hour-long online coding tutorial developed by the team behind the popular game Minecraft. The future is now There was a time when coding was only done by software programmers, but as the world becomes more integrated with digital technology, the opportunity to exploit the power of code is available to people in almost any career from sport and engineering to fashion and art.]]> https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/4-reasons-why-gaming-on-your-pc-is-great Fri, 10 Feb 2017 07:48:14 GMT https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/?p=1495 Here are 4 of the best things about gaming on a PC versus a console:

1. Keep playing without needing to upgrade

One of best things about gaming, is finishing a level and upgrading to more challenging ones with better graphics. It’s no secret that consoles are bad at upgrades, in fact you can’t actually upgrade a console. To get your hands on a better version, you have to wait for the release of a new console and buy another one. It’s much easier to upgrade on your PC. The most substantial investment you’ll need to make is occasionally buying a new graphics card. And with today’s graphic cards capable of harnessing much more power than any console could, and for a similar price, you’ll be much better off choosing the PC experience.

2. More for less

Most PC games are cheaper than their console versions. In addition, if you’re a PC gamer, you’re more likely to benefit from discounts and bundles than your console-playing counterparts. There are thousands of free-to-play, high-quality games for PC. With a PC, you can also choose a hardware setup that fits your preference and budget. In addition, there are very few cross-platform, multiplayer games for consoles. If you want to play online with your friends, you most likely have to pay a hefty subscription or annual fee. With a PC, you can play many of these multi-player games for free and you’ll get much better download speeds too.

3. Better functionality

The mouse and keyboard on a PC affords players a far superior gaming experience than a console. PC’s offer more speed, creativity, accuracy and a level of complexity that consoles just cannot compete with. Also, most Xbox games release on PC at the same time, and with Microsoft’s Play Anywhere games you have access to both PC and Xbox One versions of the game.

4. No internet, no problem

You may not always have internet connectivity. Luckily, you can play many PC games offline as well as online, and you don’t have to worry about losing your progress, as it automatically uploads once you are back online. These are just a few reasons that make gaming on a PC better than a console. And with Microsoft constantly improving the performance of its gaming experience for PC’s, the next generation of gaming looks to be even more exciting.]]> https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/5-ways-to-be-more-productive-in-2017 Tue, 07 Feb 2017 07:12:55 GMT https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/?p=1615 and less. Using technology to tackle some of life’s most mundane tasks means spending more time doing what you love and less time doing what you have to do. Below is an infographic that looks at five ways we can be more productive this year, so we can achieve more in less time.    ]]> https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/the-evolution-of-the-pc Sun, 29 Jan 2017 08:42:26 GMT https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/?p=1605 ]]> https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/4-reasons-to-be-excited-about-gaming-in-2017 Tue, 03 Jan 2017 07:22:37 GMT https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/?p=1435 Increasing broadband penetration and the connectivity of more Middle Eastern youth to the internet via smartphones is contributing to this growth, meaning that the regional gaming industry in the Middle East is currently growing faster than the global average. With this growth in mind, let’s look at some of the key gaming trends coming out of the region:

1. Gaming 360° style International market research agency, GfK, recently conducted a study to better understand people’s behaviour across multiple devices. The research found that 60% of adults use at least two devices every day and almost one quarter use three devices. Another survey in Iran showed that smartphones and tablets are the most popular gaming devices among Iranians but desktop computers, consoles and laptops are also high up on the list.This ‘multiple-screen generation’ navigates easily between different digital platforms and the real world. They increasingly expect 360° play, where each platform adds something unique to their gaming experience. This year there has been a variety of brands simultaneously offering games, movies, animated TV or web series, as well as producing branded toys and merchandise. These days, games are more than just a pastime, they are a lifestyle, a passion that people want to spend time and money on.The release of Microsoft’s experimental TV/game title, Quantum Break, is a good example of this evolving trend in gaming. In 2017, we can expect more of these 360° franchises, as consumers increasingly flit between different types of screened and live entertainment

2. Rise of the era of ‘intergenerational’ gaming Families are realising that video games don’t need to drive a wedge between generations. These days more families are gaming together, bonding in their living rooms while playing family-friendly games.There is also a growing trend of ‘parent gaming advocates’ who grew up playing games themselves and are now passing their skills, knowledge and passion onto their own children.Two studies looking at the benefits of intergenerational video game play found that playing games together as a family has a positive impact on adolescent development and long-term family outcomes. Educational games like Minecraft, which in addition to having cross-generational appeal, also improve learning, cognitive and motor skills, as well as creativity in children, have seen a remarkable rise in popularity among families. Playing other family-friendly games like FIFA or Forza together is also a great way for families to bond. In 2017 we can expect more games that challenge and entertain both parents and children together. Try out Skylanders: Imaginators, Just Dance 2017, Forza Horizon 3 or FIFA 17 for more family fun next year.

3. Cast aside the old stereotype Women now make up the majority of the gaming population. This is according to a study published by the Internet Advertising Bureau, which revealed that 52% of the global gaming audience is made up of women.Nowhere is this trend more visible than in the Middle East where women are fast beginning to dominate the gaming space. In fact, a recent survey in Iran showed that there are approximately 23 million gamers in the country, and 37% of these gamers are women. Saudi is no different, with almost 48% of the gaming population made up of females.With women increasingly holding more purchasing power, and the gaming population becoming more diverse, developers are starting to take notice. In 2017, expect more games that cater for the female market.

4. Better & more powerful consoles One of the biggest trends to hit the industry this year, is the introduction of console updates. For example the slimmer Xbox One S, now supports 4K movies and HDR (High Dynamic Range). Xbox One Project Scorpio, a much more powerful update, will be able to support full 4K ultra HD technology as well as virtual reality (VR).These updates not only allow for a better gaming experience but they also have greater compatibility between Xbox One and Windows titles, allowing cross-platform multiplayer gaming in titles like Gears of War 4 and Minecraft for even more family fun.With these exciting trends set to come our way in the New Year, the gaming industry is likely continue growing in 2017.

]]> https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/how-to-plan-a-trip-on-your-surface Thu, 15 Dec 2016 06:59:33 GMT https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/?p=1385 If you’re planning a trip this holiday season, your Windows 10-powered Surface can make the planning process more fun and collaborative. Get the most out of your vacation with these tips for selecting a destination, planning your itinerary, booking flights and accommodation. Planning First, decide on a place to go. Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 is your gateway to the world, where you can find detailed information about possible destinations and also share your findings with family, friends or business associates with ease. And Edge is the only browser that lets you write on web pages. Let’s look at Rome as a travel destination. After typing in “Rome travel” into Edge, you can pull up Rome, Italy on the TripAdvisor website. Here, you can find photos, maps, points of interest, facts, weather and more about the city. To add notes, highlight and share this with friends, go into Web Note mode by tapping on the pen-and-paper icon on the top right side. You can also add notes directly to the web page, by typing or using your Surface Pen, and then save your marked-up page to OneDrive by tapping the Save icon or share it with fellow travellers by clicking the Share icon. Booking travel Booking flights and accommodations on your Surface is as easy as browsing your favourite travel websites such as Orbitz, Expedia, Hipmunk or Kayak. There are also travel apps specifically designed to work with your Windows tablet such, as the free TripAdvisor app updated for Windows 10. Not only does it allow you to book travel, you can also browse millions of reviews, videos and photos from other travellers, explore restaurants at your destination and discover fun things to do. At your destination Prepare for your visit by downloading maps for your travel destination to have them available even when you’re offline. The Windows 10 Maps app helps you find places and navigate your way around with turn-by-turn drive, transit and walking directions. And if you like travel guides, download Tripwolf (free). The app shows recommendations from travel-guide bestsellers like Fodor’s for more than 500 destinations worldwide, and allows you to create a personal itinerary with the built-in trip planner. If heading to a country where you don’t speak the native language, install the free Translator app on your Surface before you go. Once at your destination, just point your Surface camera at signs, menus, newspapers or any printed text in 19 different languages, and the app will instantly translate it. You can even hear spoken translations of text. How else does Surface help you travel? Let us know on Twitter via @Surface and use the hashtag #Surface.]]> https://docs.microsoft.com/archive/blogs/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/artificial-intelligence-for-beginners Mon, 12 Dec 2016 22:03:27 GMT https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/microsoft_on_the_issues_arab_world_eng/?p=1535 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial intelligence uses computing power to process huge amounts of data.  This gives computers the ability to perform, and outperform, when carrying out tasks that require a certain level of human intelligence. This includes things like visual perception, recognising speech, independent decision making and analysing information. A good example of AI in action is when machines are able to translate massive amounts of written data into multiple languages in a matter of seconds. For example, Skype’s online translator can help you communicate in eight languages for voice calls, and in more than 50 languages while instant.   Algorithm To make a computer do anything, you must write a program which tells the computer exactly what you want it to do. The computer then executes the program, following each step mechanically, to accomplish a required result. Algorithms are used all the time for making calculations, data processing, and automated reasoning. Some computer algorithms are designed to allow computers to learn on their own, facilitating what is called machine learning.     Machine learning Machine learning gives computers the ability to learn without being explicitly programmed. Machine learning is like data mining, both systems look for patterns in data, but instead of extracting data for human analysis, machine learning uses algorithms to interpret the data and adjust programs accordingly, or make inferences from it. Bionic suits or prosthetic limbs for people who have physical disabilities are a good example machine learning. They are embedded with sensors which learn their wearer’s unique gait, adapt to their leg swing and speed, and mirror the individual’s natural walking pattern. Algorithms allow intelligent limbs to continue adjusting over time, adapting to different terrains and adding more power when the individual is tired. Narrow AI Narrow AI is designed to focus on one narrow task. This type of AI follows a set of rules – the algorithm – to answer a problem, without deviating or adapting the algorithm. A good example of narrow AI is a virtual personal assistant, which answers questions that it has been specifically programmed to understand.       General AI General AI (also sometimes known as strong AI) refers to the field of artificial intelligence that works towards providing AI that is more akin to human intelligence. General AI starts out knowing simple tasks and then adapts itself to solve a wide variety of problems faster and better. To do this you need a network of algorithms that can listen to feedback and modify themselves accordingly. General AI therefore refers to a computer that repeatedly improves itself until it becomes an ultra-intelligent, super-human machine that far surpasses human intelligence. Some scientists, like Stephen Hawking predict this could lead to an explosion of intelligence known as the “the technological singularity”, which will trigger runaway technological growth, resulting in unfathomable changes to human civilisation.   Bot A bot is software that is designed to automate the kinds of tasks you would usually do on your own, like making a dinner reservation or adding an appointment to your calendar. The increasingly common form of bots, chatbots, simulate conversation. Another good example of a bot is a search engine spider which scans the internet and index’s new pages for a search engine]]>