The Olympics have always been a stage for showcasing human excellence in sports. But this year, technology and artificial intelligence play a pivotal role in enhancing the experience for everyone involved.

By integrating AI into various aspects of the Olympics, the event hopes to become more efficient, engaging, and inclusive.

In this episode of the Business Extra podcast, host Cody Combs is joined by Sarah Vickers, head of Intel’s Olympic and Paralympic Programmes for Paris 2024 to look at how Intel is introducing groundbreaking AI innovations designed to revolutionise how fans, organisers, athletes and viewers interact with the Games.

Last week more than 8.5 million computers stopped working. The post-industrial and very much digital world in which we live, much of it anyway, came to a halt as well.

Airlines couldn’t check in travellers. Hospitals had to find new ways to help patients, and restaurants resorted to pen and paper to take reservations.

Cyber security company CrowdStrike inadvertently caused the chaos with a faulty update to its Falcon Sensor software. That software is supposed to detect cyber attacks, and prevent this sort of cataclysmic problem.

The issue was fixed, mainly within 24 hours, but its residual effects, plus the millions in economic losses, has led many to think about what action is needed to prevent another IT meltdown.

In this episode of Business Extra, host Cody Combs speaks to Igor Bershadsky, an expert in computer networking and cybersecurity, and co-founder of Dubai based Phron AI, to discuss the tech outage that crashed global systems.

Amid the war in Gaza, some communities, especially Arab ones, have decided to support the Palestinian cause by boycotting certain international brands.

To fill the void, new business endeavours have taken hold, such as local Arab brands. Palestine Cola was born out of a desire to provide a meaningful alternative to global giants such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Three brothers from Malmo, Sweden, along with Mohamed Kiswani, saw an opportunity to create a brand that resonated with their heritage and supported a greater cause.

Since its launch, Palestine Cola, marked by distinctive symbols of Palestinian culture and identity, has garnered immense support from consumers who are eager to embrace a product that aligns with their values.

In this episode of Business Extra, host Cody Combs is joined by co-founder of Palestine Cola, Mohamed Kiswani, to talk about the inspiration behind the new brand, launching obstacles, market reaction and expansion plans.