Crowe + World AI X

Crowe UAE Pioneering & Excellence Sector and World AI X Ventures Join Forces to Build Global AI Leadership, Empowering MENA Executives with Cutting-Edge Digital Transformation Insights

January 2025 – Dubai, UAE: In a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at building the next generation of AI leaders, Crowe UAE Pioneering & Excellence Sector has partnered with World AI X Ventures to drive responsible digital transformation in the MENA region and beyond. This strategic partnership introduces the transformative World AI X' Chief AI Officer (CAIO) Program, which empowers industry leaders across 12+ sectors to produce feasible and high-impact AI strategies and projects and to shape the future of their organizations and industries . By uniting Crowe's expertise in digital innovation with World AI X Ventures’ AI research and development expertise, the collaboration aims to transform leaders' mindsets, and redefine how organizations responsibly embrace AI within their organizations and sectors.

Leading this initiative are Dr. Khalid Maniar, Founder of Crowe UAE, alongside key stakeholders including Mr. Binit Shah, Zayd Maniar, and Dr. Ahmad Altarawneh, whose combined vision and commitment to excellence align with the leadership of Sam Obeidat, President and Chief AI Officer of World AI X Ventures. Together, they are paving the way for executives to integrate AI-driven transformations that are impactful, inclusive, and human-centered.

Bridging the Leadership Gap in AI Adoption

Central to this partnership is World AI X's Chief AI Officer (CAIO) Program, a comprehensive six-week transformative journey designed to empower professionals with the knowledge, tools and frameworks needed to develop AI strategies and project plans tailored to their unique business needs. The program focuses on developing initiatives that reduce costs, create new revenue streams, enhance products, increase market valuation, and achieve a competitive edge. By leveraging World AI X's proprietary AI Readiness Assessment & Strategy (AIRA) and AI Business Modeling frameworks, combined with Crowe's Digital Dexterity framework, participants systematically craft domain-specific AI strategies that drive enterprise AI adoption and deliver impactful, measurable results.

"AI is at the forefront of reshaping industries globally, but many leaders struggle to make the leap from ambition to action," said Dr. Ahmad Altarawneh, Partner and Head of Crowe UAE Pioneering & Excellence Sector. "Our partnership aims to bridge that gap by providing practical, actionable strategies that leaders need to responsibly transform their businesses and help shape a balanced, human-centered AI future."

Shaping the Future of AI Leadership with the World AI Council

Through this partnership, the World AI Council (WAIC), a global think tank initiated by World AI X to connect AI leaders and set best practices, will expand its influence and impact. WAIC will leverage Crowe’s expertise to introduce new frameworks and foster collaborative opportunities that help shape a human-centred AI future.

Sam Obeidat, President and CAIO at World AI X states, "AI has evolved into a proactive force, revolutionizing enterprise operations, customer engagement, and innovation pipelines." He continues, "By 2025-2026, working alongside AI coworkers and peers will be the norm, as millions of AI agents are expected to perform jobs currently done by human professionals—faster, cheaper, and with greater accuracy. This shift will unlock a trillion-dollar economy, with AI agents acting as second brains for executives, enhancing decision-making, driving productivity, and empowering businesses to master complexity and achieve sustainable success. Navigating such a disruptive economic landscape demands a new breed of AI leadership mindsets—a mission championed by the World AI Council, which unites top experts from diverse sectors to guide organizations through this transformative era."

"We believe the key to effective AI implementation is collaboration and shared knowledge," said Dr. Khalid Maniar, Founder of Crowe UAE. "By bringing our expertise into WAIC, we aim to open new doors for executives to create sustainable growth through AI and innovation."

Showcasing Innovation at the World AI Forum

The CAIO Program will culminate in a showcase at the prestigious World AI Forum in November 2025, where participants will present their AI initiatives to a global audience. This Forum provides a platform to highlight the transformational impact of AI in capable hands. Participants will receive mentorship from World AI Council members, who will provide feedback and real-world perspectives, ensuring that their learning journey translates into industry-impacting action.

Driving Responsible AI Development in the MENA Region

With a strong emphasis on fostering equitable AI growth in the MENA region, Crowe UAE’s extensive network and World AI X Ventures’ focus on human-centered AI innovation form the perfect alliance. The Chief AI Officer Program will position MENA executives as future-proof leaders in responsible AI adoption, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the global AI landscape.

"This partnership is about more than just technology; it's about preparing leaders to navigate the complexities of AI integration with purpose and vision," said Zayd Maniar, Managing Director of Crowe UAE. "By combining our strengths, we are laying the foundation for AI-driven transformations that reflect ethical values and deliver tangible societal benefits."

About Crowe UAE Pioneering & Excellence Sector
Crowe UAE’s Pioneering & Excellence Sector is a leading division committed to innovation, digital transformation, and leadership development. Part of Crowe's global network, the sector aims to help organizations across the MENA region achieve operational excellence and readiness for the future.

About World AI X Ventures
World AI X Ventures is a global leader in AI research and development, focused on equipping executives with the strategies needed to excel in the AI era. With an emphasis on human-centered innovation, World AI X helps leaders transform their mindsets and effectively spearhead AI initiatives within their organizations. Additionally, World AI X collaborates with forward-thinking enterprises to co-create AI solutions using a systematic, multi-phase approach to ensure successful implementation.

The CAIO Program: Preparing Executives to Lead Their Organizations and Sectors in the AI Era

World AI X is excited to extend a special invitation for executives and visionary leaders to join our Chief AI Officer (CAIO) program! This is a unique opportunity to become a future AI leader or a CAIO in your field.

During a transformative, live 6-week journey, you'll participate in a hands-on simulation to develop a detailed AI strategy or project plan tailored to a specific use case of your choice. You'll receive personalized training and coaching from the top 1% industry experts who have successfully led AI transformations in your field. They will guide you through the process and share valuable insights to help you achieve success.

By enrolling in the program, candidates can attend any of the upcoming cohorts over the next 12 months, allowing multiple opportunities for learning and growth.

We’d love to help you take this next step in your career.