The School of Business at the American University in Dubai (AUD) hosted a dynamic panel discussion titled “AI Adoption in the Real World: What Companies Are Actually Doing (vs. What’s Just Hype)”, bringing together leading industry experts to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world business practice.

The event was organized and moderated by Dr. Lena Kurban Rouhana, Chair of the Department of General Business and Decision Sciences, as part of the school’s ongoing efforts to integrate industry engagement into the student learning experience.

The panel featured three distinguished speakers: Bahman Kazemian, Founder and CEO of InnovaSense; Milad Rouhana, Managing Director for the Middle East, Africa, and Pakistan at Perfetti Van Melle; and Marc Ghosn, CEO of Wavemaker MENA.

The discussion provided students with a comprehensive and practical perspective on how artificial intelligence is being applied across industries. Moving beyond theory, the panelists shared real-world examples of AI delivering value in areas such as process optimization, data-driven decision-making, and customer engagement, while also addressing common misconceptions and the risks associated with overestimating AI capabilities.

A key takeaway from the session was that successful AI adoption depends not only on advanced technology, but also on organizational readiness, clear strategic direction, and the alignment of people, processes, and data. The speakers highlighted that many AI initiatives fall short due to unclear objectives or resistance to change, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful and structured implementation.

The panel also explored the impact of AI on future careers, encouraging students to develop a combination of technical awareness, critical thinking, and business acumen. The speakers stressed that AI is not replacing professionals, but reshaping the skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital and data-driven environment.

This event reflects the School of Business’ commitment to preparing students for the evolving demands of the global workforce in the age of artificial intelligence, by fostering meaningful dialogue between academia and industry leaders.