CEO of Search, AI, and AdTech at Yango Group, Sergej Loiter
How do you define innovation today in an age dominated by AI?
I think that innovation always unfolds in two phases. The first is the breakthrough phase — the invention of a transformative technology, like large language models in the last couple of years made huge progress in generative AI. This is when excitement builds, expectations rise, and there’s often hype — usually overhype. But then comes the second phase: application. This is when we move from fascination to real-world utility, when corporations, startups, and individuals learn how to apply the technology across industries, workflows, and daily life.
Right now, I believe we’re transitioning from the first phase into the second. The foundational models are already powerful, they can write, reason, create, and assist in numerous ways. But the real wave of innovation is just beginning – not in building better models, but in expanding the list of their applications and reimagining products, services, and experiences using them.
What makes the transition from foundation models to Agentic AI so important?
Foundation models are extraordinary at processing users’ input; they can write, translate, and create. Agentic AI introduces autonomy, allowing systems to reason, plan, and act on behalf of users in real life. Rather than offering ten options or giving a list of next steps to follow, an intelligent agent interprets intent, executes a series of steps, and delivers a result. Yango Group’s ecosystem works toward making life easier and more intuitive. For example, an AI system could help a user find a nearby restaurant, reserve a table, and arrange transport – all within one connected experience powered by a shared intelligence layer.
This shift is especially relevant in high-growth economies like the UAE, which have already invested heavily in AI infrastructure. Success in AI will increasingly depend on developing application-specific solutions that can seamlessly interact across systems, navigating multiple functions, making calls, and executing sequential, real-world actions.
How does localisation influence AI adoption at Yango Group?
For AI to work, it must first be understood linguistically, culturally, and socially. Yango Group designs products that adapt to each market instead of exporting one template worldwide. Yango Yasmina, a bilingual voice assistant tailored specifically for the Middle East, was trained on extensive Khaleeji Arabic data, refined by regional linguists to be authentic. This localisation philosophy aligns with the global trend of nationalisation of technology, where over 60 countries have introduced national AI strategies to promote sovereignty and data protection. By investing in local data infrastructure and regional expertise, Yango Group ensures that innovation feels native rather than imported.
How do the UAE’s AI policy and regulation frameworks shape Yango’s work?
The UAE’s frameworks encourage responsible experimentation. There is an ecosystem where companies can innovate confidently, knowing the guardrails are clear and credible.
From the National AI Strategy 2031 to the Charter for the Development and Use of AI and the Ethical AI Toolkit, each initiative emphasises accountability, transparency, and human-centric design. Yango Group experienced this first-hand when it earned the Dubai AI Seal Tier S certification, a rigorous benchmark assessing safety, privacy, and governance in AI. Beyond validation, the certification unlocks access to government projects and wider participation in Dubai’s AI-driven economy. Such frameworks are vital in an era when cyber risks grow alongside innovation — global cybercrime costs surpassed $9tn in 2024, while the Middle East recorded its highest breach costs in a decade. With this in mind, we value the UAE’s transparent policies and regulatory frameworks that support innovation while ensuring accountability in the sector.
Beyond business efficiency, how do you see AI contributing to community life?
AI is quietly becoming part of everyday life in the UAE, so much so that 97 per cent of residents now use it in some form. From getting groceries delivered to finding the fastest route home, technology is no longer just about efficiency; it’s about enriching how people live, connect, and even have fun.
In Dubai, Yango Group’s use of autonomous delivery robots is a glimpse of how AI can improve daily living, reducing traffic, saving time, and supporting the city’s goal to build smarter, more sustainable communities. When innovation focuses on people, it improves the rhythm of city life and strengthens the sense of connection that defines the UAE’s progress. But its impact goes beyond convenience.
AI is also bringing a ton of creativity and entertainment into everyday life. From generating and improving images to possibly turning a simple idea into a short animated story, there are dozens of ways AI can be used to entertain and spark creativity in us.
This is the power of AI. It doesn’t just optimize one thing, it enhances many, quietly adding innovation into the rhythm of daily life.
Looking ahead, what defines the next phase of AI?
I believe the next phase of AI won’t just be about enhancing existing products but about reimagining them from the ground up. We’re moving beyond simply adding AI as a feature. The real transformation lies in building entirely new experiences where AI is not just a tool, but the foundation.
This means rethinking workflows, interfaces, and user expectations. Many traditional processes will become obsolete, and not partially, but entirely, replaced by intelligent, agentic AI that anticipate needs, act autonomously, and adapt in real time. The future belongs to services designed for the AI era, not enhanced with AI but rebuilt from scratch to unlock capabilities we couldn’t achieve before.
