Belal Zahran: AI Is Reshaping Retail Today, Not Tomorrow
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Belal Zahran, International Managing Director of Foodics Egypt & UAE, affirmed that artificial intelligence is no longer a future concept but a present force actively transforming commerce and retail, stressing that Foodics is at the forefront of this AI-led digital transformation
Speaking during a panel discussion titled “How AI Shapes the Future of E-Commerce and Retail” at the SHE CAN TECH & AI Edition Summit, Zahran explained that Foodics is already leveraging AI to streamline complex operational processes, converting multi-step procedures into actions executed within seconds
“Humanity has witnessed transformative milestones such as fire, writing, the steam engine, and the internet. Today, AI represents a similarly powerful leap in scale and impact,” Zahran said
He added that continuous AI system training using real-world data significantly enhances performance and accuracy, noting that in the coming months, AI is expected to evolve from merely supporting decision-making to executing decisions autonomously, fundamentally reshaping workflows across industries
Zahran highlighted that Foodics is executing an advanced strategy aimed at strengthening its competitive edge and reinforcing its position as a leading provider of smart restaurant technology solutions, with a strong focus on enhancing and personalizing the end-customer experience
He explained that AI is being deployed across Foodics’ operations to optimize internal workflows, anticipate market needs, and provide innovative services. In the near future, AI will extend beyond screens and systems into the physical world—recognizing repeat customers, predicting preferences, and delivering highly personalized experiences through integrated data analysis across multiple touchpoints
Despite the rapid technological progress, Zahran emphasized that humans remain at the heart of this transformation, noting that while AI can manage routine and complex tasks, it cannot replace creativity, empathy, or emotional intelligence. “AI will continue to enhance human capabilities—not replace them—as long as these uniquely human skills remain central,” he stated
On the local front, Zahran noted that Egypt’s digital transformation is still in its early stages, with ongoing challenges related to data availability and infrastructure. However, he expressed strong optimism about the country’s future, citing Egyptian youth as a powerful catalyst capable of accelerating AI adoption and positioning Egypt among the leading nations in the AI-driven economy
