MAGNAV Emirates

Sidra Asif

Eng. Eman Ahmed

Pioneering the Future An Exclusive Interview with Eng. Eman Ahmed

Pioneering the Future An Exclusive Interview with Eng. Eman Ahmed the First Emirati Woman to Launch a Metaverse Company By Sidra Asif In a time when digital frontiers are rapidly expanding, Eng. Eman Ahmed stands out as a trailblazer in the Arab world. As the first Emirati woman to establish a company rooted in the metaverse, she is not just shaping virtual landscapes—she is redefining what leadership in technology means for the region. Founder and CEO of Avitech, Eman has turned curiosity into innovation, and innovation into a national contribution. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey, challenges, vision, and how Arab women are at the forefront of the next technological revolution. Eman Ahmed’s journey began with a simple yet profound question: “What would the future look like if we were the ones designing it?” As an engineer and lifelong tech enthusiast, her curiosity was fueled by growing up in an Emirati environment that supports digital ambition. In 2015, she launched a small research project focused on interactive environments. What started as academic exploration soon evolved into a visionary idea—the founding of Avitech, the first Emirati company rooted in the metaverse. With it came a bold purpose: to be builders, not followers. For Eman, the convergence of artificial intelligence and the metaverse represents more than a technological advancement. It is a transformative shift in how we perceive and interact with value. She sees this fusion as redefining user experience, as AI injects intelligence and responsiveness into boundless virtual spaces. In the UAE, this powerful combination is helping build a digital economy that transcends sectors, including education, healthcare, retail, and government services. Launching a company in such a nascent industry was no easy task. One of the most significant challenges Eman faced was building trust. Many people struggled to understand what the metaverse really was, so she and her team had to demonstrate its tangible value rather than just pitching futuristic concepts. There was also a shortage of specialized local talent, which led her to establish an internal academy to train the team in emerging technologies. At the same time, they navigated an evolving regulatory landscape, finding creative ways to innovate while remaining compliant. Avitech today is at the forefront of real-world digital transformation in the UAE. The company is behind a range of projects, from interactive platforms for ministries to intelligent virtual stores and industrial training simulators. Each solution is AI-driven, scalable, and designed to align with national ambitions. Eman emphasizes that their mission is not to ride the wave of digital change, but to help lay its foundation and lead the way forward. She believes strongly in the power and perspective that Arab women bring to technology and innovation. According to her, Arab women contribute unique problem-solving abilities and a deep sense of responsibility. They no longer belong behind the scenes but deserve to be at the helm of change. At Avitech, more than 60% of the team are women, and this is not a symbolic move—it’s a commitment to real leadership. For Eman, women shouldn’t just be included in transformation efforts, they should be the ones designing and leading them. Eman points to a standout project as a prime example of how Avitech uses AI within the metaverse to create real-world impact. In collaboration with a major energy company, they developed a virtual environment simulating an offshore platform. Technicians could train in this space with AI-powered interaction, resulting in a 40% reduction in training costs and a significant improvement in safety. In retail, Avitech has also built AI-enabled virtual stores that recognize customer preferences—even interpreting tone of voice—to deliver a more personalized experience. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the region is grounded in purpose and clarity. She urges them to start with a problem, not with technology. Rather than chasing hype, she recommends pursuing meaningful, high-impact ideas. Education, cross-cultural collaboration, and ethical intent should be at the core of every venture. Web3 and the metaverse, in her view, are not just innovations—they are new philosophies that change how we think, connect, and create value. Looking ahead, Eman’s personal vision for Avitech is to become a global leader in developing AI-powered metaverse environments that carry a distinct Arab identity. One of the company’s current flagship projects involves building a prototype for a “digital capital” focused on education and smart governance. She sees the Middle East as a future global epicenter for metaverse development, empowered by visionary leadership and a new generation of youth who believe that nothing is impossible. As Eng. Eman Ahmed continues to drive transformation from the heart of the UAE, her mission is clear and unwavering. “We aim to be a global launchpad from the UAE to the world. We are the changemakers in a world that knows no impossible.” With leaders like Eman paving the way, the future is not just virtual—it’s bold, inclusive, and unmistakably Emirati.

K-Drama Takeover

K-Drama Takeover How South Korea’s Cultural Exports Are Dominating Global Screens

K-Drama Takeover How South Korea’s Cultural Exports Are Dominating Global Screens By Sidra Asif South Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have rapidly evolved from niche regional content into a global cultural force. What began as a modest form of entertainment within South Korea has become a multibillion-dollar phenomenon, reshaping global entertainment and influencing everything from fashion and beauty to cuisine and tourism. The appeal of K-dramas now spans continents, languages, and demographics, underscoring the profound cultural and economic impact of South Korea’s soft power. One of the biggest endorsements of this growing wave comes from Netflix, which has heavily invested in Korean content. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed that “more than 60% of Netflix’s 270 million subscribers have watched at least one Korean film or series,” amounting to over 162 million viewers globally. To capitalize on this momentum, Netflix has pledged a $2.5 billion investment in South Korea’s entertainment industry over the next four years. This is double what it spent from 2016 to 2022 and will fund a variety of productions, including dramas, films, and unscripted content. “South Korea now ranks among the top five content-producing countries for Netflix globally,” joining the ranks of the U.S., U.K., India, and Spain. The foundation of this global phenomenon is rooted in decades of cultural development. K-dramas trace their origins back to 1962, when the first television drama aired in South Korea. Early content, produced by public broadcasters like KBS and MBC, was grounded in Confucian values and family-oriented storytelling. These dramas helped foster a sense of national identity and unity during South Korea’s post-war rebuilding years. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the South Korean government began to see culture as an exportable commodity. As part of the “Hallyu” or Korean Wave strategy, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism funneled millions into the creative industries. This included subsidies, public-private partnerships, and global outreach initiatives. The goal was clear: “to enhance South Korea’s global image and economic standing through cultural soft power.” The international rise of K-dramas accelerated in the 2010s with the global proliferation of streaming platforms. Services like Viki, DramaFever, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and especially Netflix made Korean content easily accessible worldwide. High production values, multilingual subtitles, and genre-blending narratives allowed K-dramas to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries. The COVID-19 pandemic further fueled this trend. Global audiences, confined at home, turned to Korean series such as Crash Landing on You, Itaewon Class, Kingdom, and It’s Okay to Not Be Okay for emotional connection and escapism. Netflix originals like Sweet Home, All of Us Are Dead, and Squid Game reached staggering milestones. Squid Game alone amassed 111 million views in its first 28 days, becoming the most-watched Netflix series debut of all time. The global obsession with K-dramas can be attributed to several key factors. First, their “emotionally rich storytelling” and complex characters appeal to a broad range of viewers. Whether it’s romance, thriller, or fantasy, K-dramas masterfully blend genres, offering something for everyone. Their visual storytelling is equally compelling. Meticulous cinematography, fashionable wardrobes, and elegant styling turn each episode into a showcase of contemporary Korean aesthetics. Iconic looks from shows like My Love from the Star and Descendants of the Sun have influenced fashion trends far beyond Asia. Culturally, K-dramas resonate deeply with audiences by portraying universal themes through a distinctly Korean lens. Elements such as filial piety, communal meals, respect for elders, and personal sacrifice not only educate international viewers about Korean culture but also create emotional connections based on shared values. A particularly appealing feature for many international fans, especially women, is the portrayal of male leads. These characters often exhibit high emotional intelligence and respectful behavior, “challenging Western romantic stereotypes and offering a refreshing model of partnership.” But K-dramas are more than storytelling, they are a powerful economic engine. Their global success has created a ripple effect across several industries. The “Korean consumption effect” refers to the phenomenon where exposure to Korean content drives international demand for Korean products and experiences. The K-beauty industry, for instance, has grown to over $10.2 billion USD in 2023, thanks in large part to its frequent appearances in dramas. Similarly, Korean cuisine has seen a global surge in popularity. Traditional dishes like kimchi and bibimbap, showcased on-screen, have helped propel food exports to a record $12 billion, a 15.5% increase in just one year. Tourism has also benefited immensely. Iconic filming locations from shows such as Winter Sonata and Goblin have become pilgrimage sites for fans. In 2022, the Korea Tourism Organization noted that “over 80% of foreign visitors cited Korean pop culture as a major motivation for their trip.” Education is another area of growth. Korean language courses have seen a 50% rise in global enrollment since 2019, driven largely by fans eager to connect more deeply with their favorite content. As South Korea moves forward, it is positioning itself not just as a cultural influencer but as a major player in the global digital economy. Analysts project that the worldwide K-content industry could surpass $35 billion by 2030. The country’s success in this domain stems from a strategic combination of “state support, global collaboration, high production standards, and an intuitive grasp of audience emotions.” From Seoul to Los Angeles, from streaming platforms to skincare routines, the influence of K-dramas continues to expand. What started as localized storytelling has become a global takeover. And if current trends are any indication, South Korea’s cultural exports are not just riding a wave, they are shaping the tide.

Asma Al Hosani Defining Emirati Strength Through Jiu-Jitsu and Academic Excellence

Asma Al Hosani Defining Emirati Strength Through Jiu-Jitsu and Academic Excellence

Asma Al Hosani Defining Emirati Strength Through Jiu-Jitsu and Academic Excellence By Sidra Asif Asma Al Hosani’s journey into the world of Jiu-Jitsu began with a sense of curiosity and cautious excitement. She still remembers the first time she stepped onto the mat at school nervous, yet instinctively drawn to the sport’s discipline, focus, and technique. What started as an introduction soon became a lifelong passion. From those early moments, she knew she didn’t just want to learn the art, she wanted to compete, to win, and to proudly represent her country on international stages. Her trajectory was significantly shaped by the visionary initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who introduced Jiu-Jitsu into the UAE’s school curriculum. This bold move not only gave Asma a starting point but also created a nationwide culture around the sport, empowering thousands of young Emiratis, especially girls to explore their potential in a field that promotes strength, confidence, and discipline. For Asma, this initiative was the spark that lit a fire within, providing purpose and opening doors she never imagined at a young age. Like many elite athletes, Asma’s path was not without challenges. She faced the difficult task of balancing academics with an intense training schedule, dealing with injuries, and pushing through moments of self-doubt. Her resilience and focus helped her overcome these hurdles, allowing her to evolve not only as a competitor but as a disciplined individual off the mat as well. Carrying the UAE flag onto global stages became one of the greatest honors of her life. With each match, she felt the weight of national pride and the power of representation. Competing under her country’s name added a deep sense of responsibility and motivation. Among her most emotional and unforgettable achievements was winning the gold medal at the Asian Games—a moment that validated years of early mornings, setbacks, and relentless dedication. Standing on the podium as the UAE’s national anthem played was not only a personal triumph but a testament to what hard work and vision can achieve. Beyond victories and titles, Jiu-Jitsu shaped Asma’s character. The sport taught her patience, resilience, and the ability to remain composed under pressure, qualities that influence every aspect of her life. She applies the same strategic mindset and emotional discipline gained on the mat to challenges in education, relationships, and personal growth. As a national athlete, Asma follows a rigorous routine of Jiu-Jitsu drills, sparring, strength training, and recovery, maintaining peak physical condition while also prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and mental well-being. Her discipline extends into her academic life, where she is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. Managing time between training, studies, family, and personal passions is not easy, but she has learned to plan, prioritize, and maintain balance. Her family plays an essential role in keeping her grounded and supported throughout her demanding schedule. While her gold at the Asian Games is a defining moment, Asma remains focused on the future. She aspires to become a world champion and continue competing at the highest levels. Yet her vision stretches far beyond personal accolades. She dreams of opening a Jiu-Jitsu academy in the UAE, where she can mentor the next generation and contribute to the growth of the sport that shaped her life. Equally committed to her education, she plans to pursue a master’s and eventually a PhD in mechanical engineering, proving that ambition knows no limits. Asma Al Hosani’s story is one of courage, dedication, and national pride. From school mats to international arenas, she has emerged as a symbol of strength for Emirati youth, especially women, who dare to pursue greatness. Her journey is a shining example of how vision, opportunity, and resilience can come together to redefine what is possible.