Leaders of the Possible Council envision the future of organizations through artificial intelligence and expansionary growth

Senior figures from government, technology and business gathered at the Possible Council to discuss reshaping artificial intelligence and interconnected systems to shape economic and regulatory models in the region.
On February 12 at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Publicis Group Middle East hosted a forum that brought together executives from G42, Publicis Sapient, Microsoft, Snapchat, Nestlé, Amazon Ads, and Adobe, along with policymakers and organizational leaders, to discuss ways to implement digital transformation in practice.
Rather than focusing on emerging tools, discussions addressed institutional readiness, how governments and organizations can build the structures, governance frameworks and operational discipline needed to deploy AI and data management systems at scale.
The keynote session on Artificial Intelligence saw the participation of Mansoor Al Mansouri, Nigel Vaz, Global CEO of Publicis Sapient, and Samer Abu Latif, President of Microsoft Middle East and Africa, in a dialogue moderated by Becky Anderson. Speakers emphasized that advanced technology has become widely available, stressing that the decisive element lies in the actual implementation of these technologies.
Mansour Al Mansouri explained the difference between consumer-oriented applications and enterprise systems, pointing out that the speed of deploying tools alone is not enough, and that true transformation depends on integrated platforms, reliable databases, and institutional ownership. He added that artificial intelligence enhances capabilities in mature systems and reveals weaknesses in immature systems, making it a pivotal tool for assessing institutional readiness.
For his part, Nigel Vaz addressed the gap between strategic intentions and practical implementation, noting that discussions within boards of directors have gone beyond defining artificial intelligence to include understanding how to create tangible value. He explained that the challenge lies in aligning infrastructure, incentives and organizational culture with this ambition.
Samer Abu Latif focused on the importance of trust, governance, and digital sovereignty, stressing that these areas become more vital as digital systems are integrated into public and private sector operations. He stressed the need for individual training programs to be accompanied by solid institutional frameworks that include controls, strategic partnerships, and full compliance with regulations.
The AI ​​discussion formed part of a broader agenda that explored economic resilience, leadership and ecosystem development. The “Economy of the Possible” sessions focused on how organizations respond to fluctuations, changing consumer behavior, and the development of regulatory frameworks, while participants described intelligence infrastructure as a basis for competitiveness, and not just an independent technical investment.
Other sessions also explored the role of culture, sports, luxury and tourism in shaping future growth strategies, reflecting the diversity of economic priorities in the region. The speakers stressed that sustainable development has become increasingly dependent on cooperation between governments, global platforms, and private companies.
The forum was opened by Saud Abdul Aziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism, speaking about Abu Dhabi’s role as a center for dialogue and innovation. Nicolas Nemcheanu, French Ambassador to the UAE, also highlighted the depth of French-Emirati cooperation and the importance of cross-border partnerships in driving sustainable progress in the long term.
The parallel “Studio of the Possible” program attracted students and young professionals to the event, emphasizing the importance of talent development alongside investment in technology. Organizers described the initiative as part of broader efforts to build future capabilities across various sectors.
This year’s Possible Council, marking the centenary of Publicis Group Middle East, reflects a strategic focus on strengthening collaboration between the policy, technology and business communities, with the aim of encouraging the exchange of experiences on implementation challenges rather than focusing on siled innovation.
As the discussions concluded, participants returned to a core theme: AI is no longer just a futuristic aspiration, but a practical reality. Speakers agreed that the organizations that will benefit most are those that are able to align strategy, governance, and leadership to integrate smart systems into daily decision-making.