Issue 193:The Year of Unstoppable Progress
Welcome to Backstory, a weekly newsletter turning global technology shifts into a three-minute read. This week, we’re thinking about the year that was.
THE BIG TAKE
The Year of Unstoppable Progress
It has been a transformative year for technology, with the Gulf at the center. Globally, advancements in generative AI reshaped industries, from healthcare to creative arts, while clean energy technologies, like breakthroughs in battery storage and hydrogen production, gained traction. Major AI-driven platforms emerged, revolutionizing workflows and raising fresh questions about ethics and governance. The Gulf, however, stood out, not just as a consumer but as a key contributor to these innovations, showing its readiness to lead in a tech-driven future.
Continued innovation. The UAE solidified its status as a global tech hub, achieving several milestones. The adoption of AI-first patient records and advancements in personalized medicine through genomics highlighted the nation’s forward-thinking healthcare initiatives. Beyond health, investments in green hydrogen production, autonomous transportation trials, and the expansion of smart city projects such as NEOM positioned the Gulf as a powerhouse for innovation. Meanwhile, regional partnerships with tech giants and the establishment of innovation centers showcased the UAE’s growing influence on the global stage.
More to come. As 2024 transitions into 2025, we can reflect on how this year was a testament to the power of technology to transform societies. Looking ahead, even more powerful developments are on the horizon, promising to reshape industries and daily lives alike. The next edition of Backstory will be our annual Year Ahead issue, where we will chart everything you need to know about the trends and breakthroughs set to define the coming year. You won’t want to miss it.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The future is already here—it’s just not evenly distributed.”
-William Gibson
This week, we’re exploring Google Chrome. The future ownership of the popular browser is up in the air but Chrome's popularity is undeniable.
SPOTTED ELSEWHERE
Leadership is needed now more than ever. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, visionary leadership is more crucial than ever. According to an article created by River Software, such leaders are pivotal in driving innovation and inspiring positive social change. They possess a forward-thinking mindset that transcends present boundaries, enabling them to anticipate future trends and guide their organizations toward long-term success. By empowering teams, visionary leaders not only adapt to change but also actively shape it, ensuring their organizations thrive amid uncertainty. We could use more of this spirit worldwide as we move into 2025.
Impact metrics. In an insightful article titled The Case for a Values-Oriented Approach to Impact, the writer Vincent Sanchez-Gomez critiques the over-reliance on metrics in impact measurement, urging organizations to shift toward embedding values into every decision. Sanchez-Gomez highlights the pitfalls of prioritizing quantifiable outcomes—like “hugs given” or “shoes donated”—at the expense of addressing systemic complexities and authentic needs. This call for a more reflective, values-driven model serves as a powerful reminder that genuine impact comes not from scaling metrics, but from consistently aligning actions with deeply held principles. It is a challenge to organizations to better integrate their mission into every layer of their operations, fostering integrity and meaningful change over superficial success.