Abu Dhabi, UAE – Walid El Zayani, CGI and VFX Director at Alwasl Media, shared a grounded perspective on artificial intelligence and creative work during the Machines Can Think Summit 2026. El Zayani spoke in an interview with Justin Cooke, focusing on how AI fits into real world creative workflows without replacing human input.
El Zayani brings more than two decades of experience in media, visual effects, branding, and digital production across the UAE. Originally from Benghazi, Libya, he has worked in Abu Dhabi and Dubai since 1999. His recent focus centers on integrating AI tools into established creative processes.
“AI supports my workflow,” El Zayani said. “I use it for visualization, textures, characters, layouts, and storyboards. It helps me move faster.”
He explained that AI assists with early stage ideation rather than final creative decisions. Tools help visualize concepts, generate references, and speed up production planning. Human judgment remains central to final output.
“Human creativity stays ahead,” he said. “AI supports, but does not replace, the creative mind.”
El Zayani emphasized the importance of precise prompting. Clear direction produces stronger results, while vague input leads to mixed or unclear outputs.
“If you want specific results, you need specific prompts,” he said. “Style, art school, and visual references matter.”
Looking ahead, El Zayani expects faster processing, stronger generative tools, and improved alignment between creators and AI systems. He described the future as a partnership where humans and AI work in parallel.
“I see a twinning between humans and AI,” he said. “Speed improves, understanding improves, but the human role stays.”
Addressing debates around artists versus machines, El Zayani stressed balance. Overreliance on automation risks loss of intent, while ignoring AI limits efficiency.
“You train AI over time,” he said. “Dialogue matters. You correct it. It learns your direction.”
For emerging creatives, El Zayani offered practical advice. He urged young professionals to study fundamentals and creative history before relying on AI tools.
“Learn the basics first,” he said. “History gives context. Without it, tools lose meaning.”
The interview reflected broader themes at Machines Can Think Summit 2026, human centered AI, creative responsibility, and practical adoption across industries.
About Alwasl Media
Alwasl Media is a media company based in Dubai. The company works in broadcasting and media services, including radio and television related activities. I do not know detailed information about ownership, reach, or current programs.
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Interview conducted by Justin Cooke at Machines Can Think Summit 2026