2025 WEF Davos - Focus on AI & Blockchain / Crypto

As I navigate the crisp Alpine air and snow-covered streets of Davos, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of the conversations happening all around me. The geography of this small mountain town plays an unexpected role in its magic—elevated both literally and figuratively. Networking here isn’t confined to conference rooms or pavilions; it’s on the chairlifts, in the winding streets, and even over steaming cups of coffee against the backdrop of towering peaks. There’s something exhilarating about the way ideas flow naturally in such a setting, uniting people from every corner of the globe.

This year, Davos is dominated by two themes: AI and blockchain. They’re everywhere—at the forefront of discussions, in every panel, and across countless informal exchanges. The global narrative is clear: these two technologies are not just tools; they’re the building blocks of the future. And yet, despite the excitement, I couldn’t help but notice how other critical issues seemed to fade into the background, overshadowed by the intense focus on AI and blockchain.

Hearing leaders like Khaldoon Al Mubarak speak reinforced this reality. His remarks were a masterclass in clarity: “In the world we are entering, data is the most critical infrastructure, and technologies like AI and blockchain are the highways upon which the economies of the future will travel.” It’s not just about the technologies themselves—it’s about how they’re applied to create equitable, sustainable progress.

For Shorooq, this focus resonates deeply with our investment philosophy. Over the years, we’ve placed strategic bets on AI and blockchain ventures that align with this vision. From Mozn, a Saudi-based AI company transforming compliance and fraud prevention, to Intelmatix, which leverages AI-powered decision-making for enterprises, our investments reflect our belief in the transformative power of these technologies. We’ve also backed Dxwand, an AI-driven conversational platform; Proteinea, which combines AI and biotech; and Halo AI, a game-changer in the influencer marketing space. Our blockchain portfolio includes companies like Mantra, creating tokenized ecosystems for asset management, and TripleA, which integrates blockchain payments seamlessly into businesses.

These investments aren’t just about riding the wave of technological change—they’re about building the foundations for the future. Each of these companies embodies our commitment to empowering visionary founders and fostering innovation that bridges markets and cultures. It’s exhilarating to see these themes being echoed at Davos, reinforcing the role we play in this global shift.

But as Khaldoon reminded us, “Technology is the tool, not the destination.” This rings especially true here in Davos, where the real value of AI and blockchain lies not in their complexity, but in their ability to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. From enhancing supply chain efficiency to combating climate change, the applications are endless. Yet, they must be guided by purpose and responsibility to ensure that progress is inclusive and sustainable.

As I reflect on the first few days of WEF 2025, I’m struck by the energy here—an electric mix of optimism, ambition, and urgency. The conversations I’ve had on these snowy peaks will shape not just my perspective, but also the way we, at Shorooq, approach the opportunities ahead. And while the focus on AI and blockchain is exhilarating, I hope that future forums will bring balance, addressing not only technological transformation but also the broader issues that impact humanity.

Davos is a place that makes you dream bigger. It challenges you to think beyond the immediate and to collaborate across borders, industries, and ideologies. As I continue to absorb and engage, I can’t wait to bring these learnings back to the Middle East and to our ecosystem of founders and partners. The world is changing rapidly, and we’re here to ensure that our region isn’t just a participant, but a leader in shaping this transformation.

Let’s keep the dialogue going, both on these mountains and beyond. The journey is just beginning.

Mozn intelmatix DXwand Proteinea MANTRA Halo AI Triple-A