News

AI In The Music Industry: A Blessing Or A Curse?

Emdee Jabr, Senior Music Producer at Anghami believes the technology can improve workflows, but cautions the replacement of human creativity.

Published

1 year ago

March 13, 2024

Nour Nasir

ai in the music industry a blessing or a curse

During Riyadh’s recent XP Music Futures conference, delegates and industry thought leaders delved into some fascinating discussions surrounding the future of music production. Of particular interest was the topic of artificial intelligence and how AI tools could be integrated into the creative process of music production in new and innovative ways.

One notable attendee of XP Music Futures was Emdee Jabr, Senior Music Producer at Anghami. The industry professional has over a decade of experience and recently shared his thoughts on the emergence of artificial intelligence technology within the music industry.

Emdee believes that although AI can offer unique possibilities for musicians and producers, such as automated composition and intelligent sound processing, it lacks emotional depth. However, the Anghami producer does acknowledge that AI can significantly accelerate production workflows.

“[AI can help by] automating tasks, improving efficiency, and providing data-driven insights. However, it faces challenges in replicating human creativity, making it crucial to strike a balance between automation and human intuition to achieve a successful and innovative outcome”.

Although it’s clear that AI can work as a powerful production assistant, it seems to Emdee and other professionals that its full integration into the creative process is still very much a work in progress. The technology also raises several legitimate concerns.

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“On the negative side of AI, concerns arise regarding job displacement, potential homogenization of artistic expression, and the risk of over-reliance on technology, potentially diluting the human touch and intuition in art. The key is finding a balance that maximizes the benefits while preserving the unique aspects of human creativity”.

As a music producer, it’s clear that Emdee Jabr sees AI as a tool still in its beginning stages. The producer is keen to emphasize the importance of utilizing human creativity and using AI for inspiration rather than entirely replacing songwriters, musicians, and producers.

News

UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know

A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Published

2 days ago

May 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.

The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.

The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

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Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.