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

2 years 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.

Also Read: Best Music Streaming Services In The Middle East

“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

Syria Just Got Its First Super App Featuring Built-In Digital Payments

Built by UAE-based Syrian founders with the Ministry of Tourism’s backing, My Syria lands as visitor numbers more than double.

Published

5 days ago

August 1, 2026

Nour Nasir

syria just got its first super app featuring built-in digital payments

For most of the past decade, paying for anything in Syria with an international card was effectively impossible. Sanctions, a collapsed banking sector, and years of isolation left the country running on cash. That is what makes the launch of My Syria — the country’s first super app — more than a routine product announcement.

Developed by 121 Living, a company founded by four UAE-based Syrian entrepreneurs — Rami Kaiem, Feras Kaiem, Waseem Qudmani, and Kinan Madi — the app launched in Damascus on July 30 under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Mazen Al-Salhani. It bundles hotels, restaurants, transport, attractions, food delivery, and other lifestyle services into a single platform, currently offering eight services with plans to expand to more than 40 verified tourism and hospitality providers across the country.

Although the app already sounds enticing, the headline feature is its built-in payments. My Syria is the first platform in Syria to support cross-border digital payments through Apple Pay, Google Pay, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express — familiar tools for international visitors, and a route into the digital economy for local businesses that have long operated outside it.

my syria super app launch event

The launch rides on a sharp rebound for the troubled country. Syria’s tourism sector recorded 3.52 million visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, a 111 percent increase over the 1.67 million during the same period in 2025 — a mix of returning expatriates, regional visitors, and international tourists.

Also Read: This UAE Platform Wants To Replace Fashion Photo Shoots With AI

The Ministry of Tourism, which supported and supervised the app’s development, frames the launch as proof of concept for a wider strategy. “Digital transformation is one of the Ministry’s strategic priorities because it enables us to build a more competitive, connected and investment-ready tourism sector,” Al-Salhani said, inviting technology companies “globally, regionally and locally” to explore opportunities across the wider economy.

For 121 Living, this is phase one, with additional services and expanded geographic coverage planned. Whether a super app can flourish in a market still rebuilding its infrastructure is an open question, but for the first time in years, a visitor to Damascus can pay for dinner with their phone.