Dubai, UAE — The distinction between Generative AI, which creates, and Agentic AI, which acts, defined one of the most forward-looking conversations at DATE MENA 2025 during the deep-dive session titled “The Autonomous Revolution.” The session delivered a clear message: industries are moving beyond conversational AI and traditional automation — and into a new era of autonomous systems that solve complex problems without human intervention.
A New Frontier: From Automation to True Autonomy
The discussion, held on the DATE MENA main stage, explored how autonomous technologies are already transforming operations in retail, industrial production, and enterprise-scale decision systems.
Moderated by Yousif Hussain of EY, the session charted the shift from isolated automation tools to fully integrated, agentic workflows capable of taking action, executing tasks, and making real-time decisions across entire value chains.
Industry Leaders Showcasing Real-World Deployment
Two industry leaders shared powerful demonstrations of autonomous innovation already in production:
Retail Breakthroughs — Dr. Ankur Narang, Apparel Group
Dr. Narang revealed how agentic systems are redefining the retail experience and backend operations by enabling:
- autonomous inventory management
- predictive merchandising
- fully automated fulfillment workflows
- real-time optimization of store operations
These advancements are accelerating retail agility while reducing cost, friction and error.
Industrial Autonomy — Sohail Shaukat, Fertiglobe
Shaukat showcased how Fertiglobe is deploying intelligent autonomous systems across complex industrial environments, enabling:
- AI-driven process optimization
- autonomous monitoring and diagnostics
- enhanced production stability and safety
- lower environmental footprint through intelligent resource use
His insights demonstrated how autonomy is reshaping high-impact, asset-heavy sectors.
The Takeaway: Agentic Workflows Will Define the Leaders of 2026
The session underscored that the organizations poised to lead in 2026 will be those embracing agentic systems today. The shift is not theoretical — it is actively unfolding across MENA’s most dynamic industries.
Generative AI produces.
Agentic AI performs.
Together, they are redefining enterprise technology.
As DATE MENA continues, the spotlight remains firmly on the innovations accelerating this transition — and the strategic advantage awaiting early adopters.
More updates coming from #DATEMENA.
Learn more: datewithtech.com/dubai
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