AI Policy and Progress: Shaping Trusted innovation at a National Scale

AI Policy and Progress: Shaping Trusted innovation at a National Scale

AI transformation is not just about technology. It is about trust. As part of the Road to SAP Connect Day 2026 series on AI Trust Talks, a conversation with Amin Al Zarouni explored what it truly takes to shape trusted innovation at a national scale. The discussion unpacked how nations, policymakers, and ecosystems are moving AI beyond the hype and into meaningful, collective progress. Topics covered included: • What has made the United Arab Emirates a global leader in AI, and what sets leading nations apart • The balance between regulation and innovation • Why strong ecosystems across government, enterprise, and academia are the real foundation of national AI progress • Talent, trust, and inclusion as the building blocks of AI’s societal impact on the road to 2030 Technology alone does not transform nations. Strategy does. Leadership does. Partnerships do. Ecosystems do. People do. What does connection mean in the age of AI?

AI, People & Purpose: Driving Innovation with Empathy and Connection

AI transformation isn’t just about systems… it’s about people. As part of the Road to SAP Connect Day 2026 series on AI Trust Talks, Emma Johnson sits down with Dr. Rahma Beaugrand, VP Customer Advisory & Solutions at SAP Middle East South and Sustainability Ambassador. In this episode, they explore what it truly means to build people-centred, purpose-driven AI, including: • Why empathy is critical in AI adoption • The intersection of sustainability and the intelligent enterprise • Leadership in times of rapid technological change • How organisations can strengthen trust and inclusion in AI transformation • What connection really means in the age of AI Technology alone doesn’t transform organisations… connection does. Leadership does. Purpose does. Partnerships do. People do. What does connection mean in the age of AI?

From Insight to Intelligent Execution: Leading the Connected Enterprise with Sergio Maccotta

AI is moving from PowerPoint slides… to execution.In the next episode of AI Trust Talks — part of the Road to SAP Connect Day 2026 — Emma sits down with Sergio Maccotta, Senior Vice President, SAP MEA South.They explore the shift from systems of record to systems of action. What does it mean when enterprises become truly intelligent? How do leaders ensure execution at scale remains trusted, aligned and resilient?In this episode, they discuss:The enterprise AI inflection pointIntelligent execution at scaleLeadership in the age of AI-driven systemsWhy cross-industry connection is now a strategic advantageAI is accelerating… But disciplined leadership and collaboration will determine its impact.As we move toward SAP Connect Day 2026, these are the conversations enterprise leaders must be having. What does connection mean to you in the age of AI? Have you registered yet?https://www.sap.com/mena/events.html

Connected Intelligence: Shaping the AI Ecosystem of 2026

The Road to SAP Connect Day 2026 has started. In this episode of AI Trust Talks episode I sat with Marwan Zeineddine, Managing Director of SAP UAE and we explored what it truly means to build Connected Intelligence in 2026. AI is no longer experimental…It’s becoming embedded infrastructure — shaping how enterprises align strategy, operations and culture. But intelligence alone isn’t enough… Connection matters. We discussed: • AI as strategic infrastructure • Moving from pilots to real impact • Strengthening human connection in the age of intelligent systems • Why ecosystems — not silos — will define the next era of enterprise This episode sets the tone for our Road to SAP Connect Day 2026 series — a journey exploring how leaders can collaborate to build trusted, connected enterprises. Because the future of AI isn’t just about capability… It’s about connection. What does connection mean to you in the age of AI? Have you registered yet?https://www.sap.com/mena/events.html

Code, Control & Consequence: Ray Eitel-Porter and Paul Dongha on Governing AI’s Impact

AI Governance Isn’t a Constraint — It’s the Enabler of Trust In this episode of AI Trust Talks, Emma Johnson sits down with Ray Eitel-Porter and Paul Dongha, co-authors of Governing the Machine, to answer a critical question: How do we unlock AI’s potential without losing control? With decades of experience across AI, banking, and enterprise systems, Ray and Paul share a clear message: AI without governance doesn’t scale. It risks trust, adoption, and long-term value. As AI grows—from analytics to generative and agentic models—organizations face tension between innovation and risk. Governance isn’t a compliance checklist; it’s a system for building trust into AI from the start. Key topics explored: * Responsible AI (principles) vs. AI governance (execution) * Embedding governance across the full AI lifecycle * Nine key AI risk categories * Accountability with business owners, not just technical teams * Cross-functional collaboration: legal, risk, HR, tech Insights from the episode: * Governance accelerates, not slows, innovation * AI risks (bias, explainability, sustainability) are real and must be managed * Early-stage checkpoints and ethics councils prevent costly mistakes * AI literacy across teams is essential * AI is probabilistic, not “intelligent”—human oversight is crucial * Trust comes from the people, processes, and standards behind AI, not the system itself Ray and Paul also highlight a growing blind spot: AI’s environmental impact. As adoption scales, energy use and carbon emissions will become central to responsible AI. Bottom line: Organizations that succeed with AI won’t just be the most innovative—they’ll be the most trusted. Governance isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of AI success. About the Authors * Ray Eitel-Porter – Responsible AI leader, former Global Lead at Accenture * Paul Dongha – Expert in embedding governance and ethical frameworks in large organizations About AI Trust Talks Hosted by Emma Johnson, the show explores leadership, governance, and human systems behind responsible AI. ✔️ Subscribe for more insights on AI leadership ✔️ Share with teams deploying AI ✔️ Comment: Is your AI strategy built on trust—or just speed?