State of AI Development in Oil & Gas: Interview with Mohamed Wahba

We had the amazing opportunity to speak with Mohamed during GITEX 2024, and learn about AI in the oil and gas industry and beyond. In general, AI is one of the popular technologies that was discussed during GITEX.

This year we saw an increase in the number of companies providing AI services or integrating AI into different types of businesses. As GITEX attendees note, “AI is everywhere”. So, Let’s move on to discuss AI in the oil and gas industry with our distinguished speaker.

“I believe AI has become increasingly crucial in the Oil & Gas industry, especially with the pressures stemming from the global economy. Many professionals in this sector are now leveraging AI and data analytics to achieve sustainability goals, reduce their environmental footprint, lower costs, and ultimately enhance production efficiency.”

“While Oil & Gas still has a high demand for AI, I see significant growth in other sectors as well. The healthcare industry is rapidly adopting AI, and manufacturing continues to be a key area. AI is also playing a major role in predictive maintenance and optimizing supply chains. Government sectors, especially here in Dubai, are also embracing AI. For example, there are initiatives using AI for traffic analysis, understanding behavioral patterns in public spaces, and even managing congestion in metro stations.”

“Yes, it’s true that some people have concerns about AI, but I think the general public is becoming more comfortable with technology over time. Even kids today are growing up with tablets and smart devices in their hands, making technology a part of their everyday lives. Older generations may face challenges adapting to new tech, but I believe, with time, everyone will become more familiar with it.”

“I’m a regular user of ChatGPT, and I think it has revolutionized the way we approach daily tasks. It can help with things like summarizing documents or answering questions faster and more efficiently than a traditional search engine. That said, there’s also a darker side to it. The younger generation, for instance, should be mindful not to over-rely on AI tools. It’s essential to still engage in critical thinking, brainstorming, and idea generation rather than simply seeking instant answers.”

“When we look toward the future of AI, it can feel a bit overwhelming. There’s the concern that AI might interfere too much with our privacy, which could negatively impact our lives. We all need moments of peace and quiet, free from constant technological intervention, to protect our personal space and privacy, especially for our families.”