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THE MAISON’S SOUND SIGNATURE

For its 30th anniversary, Parmigiani Fleurier unveils a creation that does more than mark a milestone. It reveals an essential part of its history, its culture, and its singular way of conceiving haute horlogerie.

With the Carillon Tourbillon, the Maison opens one of its most intimate realms: that of sounding time. A place where restoration, mechanical memory, and attentive dialogue with materials and contemporary invention converge.

This atelier piece, limited to five examples, is born of a conviction that has accompanied Parmigiani Fleurier since its origins: before creating, one must understand. Understand historic objects, their architecture, their energy, their inner logic. Understand what time has deposited within them, then transform that knowledge into a contemporary expression.

Inspired by an early nineteenth-century Perrin Frères pocket watch, from the Sandoz Collection, restored in the ateliers of Parmigiani Fleurier in 2000, the Carillon Tourbillon does not reproduce a form from the past. It carries forward an intelligence: that of sound, gesture, balance and horological construction.

Entirely conceived, developed, constructed, assembled and finished within the Maison, it bears the vision of Michel Parmigiani and the savoir-faire of the watchmakers, constructors, artisans and finishers of the Manufacture.

The Carillon Tourbillon is more than an anniversary piece. It is a way for Parmigiani Fleurier to reveal to the world what lies at the founding of its haute horlogerie: a creation born of restoration, nourished by transmission, constructed from within, and guided by an intimate pursuit of mechanical and aesthetic harmony. 

PERRIN FRÈRES : FROM RESTORATION TO RESONANCE

At the origin of the Carillon Tourbillon lies a seminal piece: a pocket watch signed Perrin Frères, made in Neuchâtel in the early nineteenth century, from the Sandoz Collection, and restored in the workshops of Parmigiani Fleurier in 2000.

This historic masterpiece was not approached as a model to reproduce, but as a living object to understand. It carried within it a knowledge of sound, energy, balance and mechanical architecture, extending even to the serpentine presence of its gongs, an immediately recognisable formal signature that the Carillon Tourbillon reinterprets within a contemporary construction.

This lineage illuminates one of Parmigiani Fleurier’s deepest convictions: history is never a static archive. It is a source of creation.

UNDERSTANDING AS THE FIRST ACT OF CREATION

Understanding before drawing. Restoring before inventing. Listening to the inner logic of objects before proposing a new expression.

A restorer before becoming a creator, Michel Parmigiani shaped his perspective through close contact with historic timepieces, automata, clocks and chiming mechanisms.

From this practice emerged a singular way of thinking about watchmaking from within: through the hand, through memory, through the mechanical intelligence of objects.

The Carillon Tourbillon emerges directly from this lineage: that of a Maison that learned to create by first learning to understand. It expresses a vision of haute horlogerie in which complexity is never an effect, but a necessary architecture.

Michel Parmigiani remained closely involved throughout its development, working alongside the watchmakers and constructors, guiding, refining and transmitting a vision of mechanics as an architecture that is legible, enduring and profoundly mastered.

This piece does not merely bear the signature of the Maison. It is the expression of its most intimate culture.

FROM TOWER TO WRIST: THE INTIMACY OF SOUNDING TIME

From medieval bell towers to the great chiming watches, the carillon belongs to a singular history: that of time made audible.

Once, it gave rhythm to the life of the city. Reimagined within the intimate space of a timepiece, it becomes a personal experience. The tradition of the carillon reminds us that sound is never a mere effect: it carries memory, gesture, continuity.

In the Carillon Tourbillon, this culture of sound leaves the public realm to inhabit the space of the wrist. Time no longer imposes itself. It reveals itself, on demand, through the vibration of a miniature architecture.

The Carillon Tourbillon is unmistakably a Parmigiani Fleurier creation of today. Its language neither looks to the past with nostalgia nor seeks demonstrative effect. It expresses its modernity through the clarity of its construction and through its relationship with volume, transparency and light.

The redesigned white gold case, the vertical gadroons inspired by the classical columns so dear to Michel Parmigiani, the glass box sapphire crystal, the visible hammers on the dial side and the hand-hammered Morning Blue dial; the aesthetic signature of the thirtieth anniversary places the piece firmly within a contemporary expression. One of its most recognisable gestures lies in its four serpentine gongs. Directly inspired by the Perrin Frères pocket watch restored by Parmigiani Fleurier, their long undulating curves embrace the architecture of the Carillon Tourbillon, giving it its visual identity, structuring space and marking the reading of the hours.

Here, acoustics become form.

Between silver and azure, the Morning Blue dial enters into dialogue with this architecture without ever dominating it. Its deliberately restrained proportions free the space required for the presence of the hammers and the unfolding of the gongs.

Here, mechanics do not add themselves to form: they structure it.

Yet within this contemporary presence remains a profound memory: that of gesture, of sound, of restored objects, and of the watchmakers who conceived of time as a living material.

The Carillon Tourbillon embodies a rare tension: a contemporary creation, shaped by the intelligence of the past

VIRTUOSITY HELD IN RESERVE

The piece also expresses a distinctly Parmigiani Fleurier philosophy of visibility.

The tourbillon and the power-reserve indicator are positioned on the reverse of the watch, where the movement opens fully to the eye. On the dial side, the reading remains clear, balanced, almost silent.

Virtuosity does not seek immediate effect. It reveals itself through depth, through observation, through use, through time spent with the object.

This restraint does not diminish the chiming complication. It stages it with precision.

On the dial side, the hammers are visible in both their function and in their mechanical choreography. They reveal the very instant in which time is about to become sound.

Around them, the serpentine gongs envelop the piece like memory turned into architecture. Their presence introduces an almost musical tension between silence and release, between anticipation and vibration.

A CALIBRE TUNED FOR RESONANCE

The calibre is a true demonstration of craftsmanship, composed of 456 components meticulously assembled by hand. Its construction is based on a highly sophisticated mechanical architecture built around two superimposed barrels, ensuring the transmission of power through the gear train and guaranteeing an exceptional 12-day power reserve, a rarity in a timepiece incorporating a chiming complication.

The third barrel, dedicated to the striking mechanism, is automatically rewound when the striking slide is activated, and only when the minute repeater is engaged.

The construction of the calibre has also been conceived to make the mechanics fully legible in motion. The components related to the striking mechanism are positioned on the case back side, offering the eye a view of the mechanism unfolding at the very moment when it transforms time into sound. The open architecture reveals the inner logic of the complication: the circulation of energy, the cadence of the hammers, the vibration of the gongs.

The mechanism incorporates a regulating flywheel, ensuring a constant flow of energy and a perfectly regular cadence. This essential component provides a fluid chime, without acceleration or slowing, for an acoustic experience mastered from the first strike to the last.

In the Carillon Tourbillon, the movement is therefore not only a motor. It becomes an instrument. It measures, it stores, it releases, it regulates, it gives sound to time.

A MELODY IN FOUR NOTES

The four gongs compose a complete and nuanced chime: one low-pitched gong for the hours one high-pitched gong for the minutes two additional gongs, each with its own note, for the quarters

Together, they create a four-note melody – distinctive, harmonious and immediately recognisable.

The striking mechanism is equipped with an integrated regulating flywheel, ensuring a constant flow of energy and a perfectly regular cadence.

This essential component guarantees a fluid chime, free from acceleration or slowing, for an acoustic experience that remains controlled from the first strike to the last.

A CASE BUILT FOR RESONANCE

The white gold case extends the lineage of the Armoriale, with its vertical gadroons inspired by the classical columns so dear to Michel Parmigiani.

This choice continues an acoustic sensibility deeply rooted in his approach to haute horlogerie: in a chiming timepiece, the case does more than house the movement; it contributes to the transmission of sound — its density, clarity and resonance.

White gold offers here a controlled resonance, in harmony with the spirit of the Carillon Tourbillon.

Reimagining this architecture to accommodate a dial, a tourbillon and a carillon striking mechanism transforms the aesthetic language of the Armoriale into a complete horological construction.

Integrated into the case band, the striking slide calls for a gesture that is simple, direct and almost ceremonial.

MADE FOR TRANSMISSION

Produced in only five examples, the Carillon Tourbillon belongs to a different temporality from that of novelty.

Its rarity is not a launch statement. It is the natural consequence of a creation that demands time, hands, attentive listening and an almost confidential mastery.

This piece is conceived for transmission, for collections that look beyond the instant, for those who recognise in a horological creation not only an achievement but a culture.

With the Carillon Tourbillon, Parmigiani Fleurier does more than celebrate thirty years of existence. The Maison reveals one of the deeper sources of its creative philosophy: a vision of haute horlogerie born of restoration, nourished by transmission, constructed from within, and capable of transforming complication into culture.

Thirty years after its founding, Parmigiani Fleurier’s voice in time continues to resonate.

THE SERPENTINE SIGNATURE

The four serpentine gongs constitute one of the most recognisable signatures of the Carillon Tourbillon. Visible beneath the glass box sapphire crystal, they trace long undulating curves that envelop the piece and give the acoustic architecture its singular presence.

This form derives directly from an element observed on the Perrin Frères pocket watch restored by Parmigiani Fleurier. Reinterpreted within a contemporary creation, it becomes more than a historical recollection: it becomes a principle of construction, at once acoustic, aesthetic and spatial.

The serpentine curves accompany the reading of the hours and inscribe sound within the very form of the watch. They lend the chiming mechanism a fluid, almost organic presence, perceptible even in silence.

Here, the gong is not merely an acoustic component. It becomes sign, structure and memory.

MAKING RESONANCE VISIBLE

The movement, too, becomes a field of expression.

Its components are adorned with the mezzo vibrato decoration, a language previously explored by Parmigiani Fleurier on the dial of the Armoriale, the Maison’s emblematic Objet d’Art and now transposed into the very heart of the movement.

Executed entirely by hand by the engravers, surface after surface, this slow and demanding work brings the material to life.

Here, the gesture leaves the surface of the dial to enter the mechanical architecture itself. It acts as a visual resonance of the chiming mechanism: what the carillon makes heard, the mezzo vibrato makes visible.

MORNING BLUE, HAMMERED INTO LIGHT

The Morning Blue dial, crafted in hand-hammered white gold, extends this dialogue between material, light and vibration.

Between silver and azure, the Morning Blue tone engages with the metal without ever concealing it.

This hammered texture forms one of the defining aesthetic signatures of Parmigiani Fleurier’s thirtieth anniversary, in continuity with the Toric Anniversary creations.

It expresses a shared idea of the hand: a living gesture, never standardised, through which each surface carries its own subtle variation.

Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the world’s #1 AI CRM, today announced results for its first quarter fiscal 2027 ended April 30, 2026.

First Quarter Financial Highlights

• Current remaining performance obligation of $33.6 billion, up 14% year-over-year (“Y/Y”) and 13% in constant currency (“CC”)
• Remaining performance obligation of $67.9 billion, up 11% Y/Y
• First quarter subscription & support revenue of $10.6 billion, up 14% Y/Y and 12% in CC, including $428 million Informatica contribution
• First quarter revenue of $11.1 billion, up 13% Y/Y and 12% in CC, including $444 million Informatica contribution
• First quarter GAAP operating margin of 21.1% and non-GAAP operating margin of 34.8%
• First quarter GAAP diluted net income per share of $2.42, up 52% Y/Y and non-GAAP diluted net income per share of $3.88, up 50% Y/Y
• First quarter operating cash flow of $6.7 billion, up 3% Y/Y, and free cash flow of $6.6 billion, up 4% Y/Y
• Returned $27.5 billion to shareholders, including $27.1 billion in share repurchases and $365 million in dividends
• Entered into $25 billion accelerated share repurchase (“ASR”), with upfront share delivery of 103 million shares representing approximately 80% of total shares expected to be repurchased, with final settlement expected in Q3 FY27

“This was an outstanding quarter for Salesforce — record revenue, record deals, and cash flow,” said Marc Benioff, Chair and CEO, Salesforce. “Agentic AI is the biggest growth opportunity for our customers, and for Salesforce. We’re the #1 Agentic CRM, with Agentforce now powering every Customer 360 application and helping tens of thousands of businesses across every industry transform into Agentic Enterprises. With more than $1 billion in Agentforce ARR, $3.4 billion in combined AI and data ARR, and 3.8 billion Agentic Work Units delivered for our customers, Salesforce has never been more essential.”

“We remain confident in delivering organic revenue acceleration in the second half of FY27, driven by growth in Sales, Service, Slack, Agentforce, and Data 360,” said Robin Washington, President and Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Salesforce. “We are executing against our profitable growth framework and remain on track to deliver on our FY30 targets while maximizing shareholder value.”

Salesforce Company Highlights

• Agentforce and Data 360 annual recurring revenue (“ARR”) reaches nearly $3.4 billion, up over 200% Y/Y, including $1.1 billion Informatica Cloud ARR and $1.2 billion Agentforce ARR, up 205% Y/Y
• 3.8 billion Agentic Work Units (“AWUs”) delivered to date across Agentforce and Slack, growing 111% quarter-over-quarter (“Q/Q”)
• Bookings from Agentforce One Edition and Agentforce for Apps, premium SKUs anchored in Sales and Service including the value from Agentic capabilities, grew nearly 60% Y/Y
• Processed more than 28.6 trillion tokens to date, up 152% Q/Q
• More than 50% of Agentforce and Data 360 bookings came from existing customers in Q1
• In Q1, Data 360 ingested 52 trillion records, up 136% Y/Y, including 35 trillion via Zero Copy, up 277% Y/Y, and processed 12 terabytes of unstructured data
• Processed nearly 1 trillion API calls across Core products in Q1
• Slack Model Context Protocol (“MCP”) surpassed 1 million active users within six weeks of launch
• Public Sector Industry Cloud ARR surpasses $2 billion, up 23% Y/Y in Q1, with Public Sector AWUs up nearly 400% Q/Q

Guidance

• Initiates second quarter FY27 revenue guidance of $11.27 billion to $11.35 billion, up 10% – 11% Y/Y and 10% in CC, including slightly above 4pts Informatica contribution
• Raises midpoint of full year FY27 revenue guidance, now expects full year FY27 revenue of $45.9 billion to $46.2 billion, up 11% Y/Y and 10% – 11% in CC, including approximately 3pts Informatica contribution
• Maintains full year FY27 subscription & support revenue growth guidance of slightly under 12% Y/Y and approximately 11% in CC, including approximately 3pts Informatica contribution
• Updates full year FY27 GAAP operating margin guidance of 20.6%, and maintains non-GAAP operating margin guidance of 34.3%
• Updates full year FY27 operating cash flow growth guidance and free cash flow growth guidance to approximately 4% – 5% Y/Y to reflect the impact of the $25 billion debt issuance for the ASR

Salesforce’s guidance includes GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures.

Saudia, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, continues its fleet expansion through ongoing planned deliveries of 12 new aircraft throughout 2026, reinforcing its long-term transformation strategy focused on growth, operational efficiency, and enhanced global connectivity.

The continued fleet expansion strengthens Saudia’s position as a leading global airline by increasing operational capacity, improving network flexibility, and supporting the development of new international destinations while enhancing the overall guest experience.

This growth reflects Saudia’s strategic commitment to fleet modernization in line with global aviation standards and evolving guest expectations. Through the integration of next-generation aircraft and advanced cabin products, Saudia continues to enhance its role in connecting the world to the Kingdom.

Following the introduction of Saudia’s first Airbus A321XLR, the Airbus A321neo further enhances the airline’s narrow-body capabilities. The aircraft features 20 Business Class seats and 168 Guest Class seats, with upgraded cabin design aimed at improving comfort, efficiency, and onboard experience.

The aircraft are equipped with high-speed inflight connectivity and improved seating, supporting both guest experience and operational performance.

His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said: “Saudia’s fleet expansion strategy reflects a disciplined approach to building the capacity, efficiency, and readiness needed for the airline’s next phase of growth. In a highly competitive aviation sector, modernizing and growing the fleet must be guided by clear market insight, network requirements, and alignment with national priorities under Saudi Vision 2030. This level of planning also extends to operational readiness, ensuring that each new aircraft entering service is supported by the required operational and maintenance capabilities”.

He added: “Preparing the workforce for fleet expansion is just as important as preparing the aircraft themselves. Saudia has already graduated new cohorts of pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance specialists through training programs aligned with the highest international aviation standards, ensuring operational readiness as new aircraft continue to join the fleet. With Saudia’s fleet expected to reach 161 aircraft by the end of the year, additional cohorts are currently undergoing training to support future deliveries. This reflects Saudia’s continued commitment to developing national talent and strengthening local content capabilities”.

Saudia’s ongoing fleet expansion supports the Kingdom’s aviation and tourism ambitions under Saudi Vision 2030 by increasing global connectivity, enabling tourism growth, and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global aviation hub.

Smartphone Slump. The smartphone has run into tough times. Sales of everyone’s favorite device could see the largest decline on record this year, according to market tracker IDC.

Worldwide smartphone shipments are expected to decline 14% in 2026 to 1.09 billion units, according to IDC. That’s down from IDC’s February forecast of a 12.9% decline and would mark the steepest annual contraction in smartphone history, the research firm said.

There’s one potential ray of light: While the industry outlook might be getting worse, estimates for Apple, AAPL +0.82%, iPhone sales are actually improving.

IDC now expects iPhone shipments to decline 5.2% this year, better than the previous forecast for an 8.1% decline. Handsets powered by Android, by contrast, could see a 20% year-over-year shipment drop, according to IDC.

The expected decline in smartphone shipments is being driven in part by the elevated cost of memory, a critical component in the buildout of artificial intelligence data centers. There’s a global shortage of most components used to power AI, like memory, as demand far outpaces supply. That’s led to soaring costs, a boon for memory makers like Micron Technology and a headwind for phone makers.

In recent months, other factors have emerged that are challenging smartphone sales.

“The U.S.-Iran war has added a fresh layer of cost pressure for smartphone OEMs, driven by rising oil prices and transportation costs,” Nabila Popal, IDC senior research director, wrote in the firm’s latest report. Combined with higher memory costs, these pressures are leading to vendors reducing shipments, raising prices, and concentrating on pushing out higher priced phone tiers, Popal added.

“That’s elevating smartphone [average selling prices] to a record $550, up $100 from last year,” she said.

Apple was better prepared than peers for the global chip shortage, according to IDC.

“Apple has done three things that few of its competitors have managed: it secured memory supply early, it built a portfolio strong enough to drive a remarkable turnaround in China, and it positioned the iPhone 17 to capture demand exactly when consumers in developed markets are extending replacement cycles and trading up,” Francisco Jeronimo, vice president for worldwide client devices at IDC, wrote.

Analysts expect Apple to show off highly anticipated AI updates at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference, which kicks off on June 8. Apple is also expected to launch an expensive foldable iPhone this year. Strong demand for high performing AI and a physical redesign of the iPhone could bring in new customers and lead existing ones to update their current devices.

Apple shares have risen 15% this year. The stock was up 0.7% Wednesday afternoon, on pace to close at a record.

“Creativity and imagination are the forces that define Rolls-Royce, shaping motor cars that are as individual as their owners. Our Private Offices, where clients co-create the most complex Bespoke commissions, directly reflect this belief. It was conversations within these spaces where the desire for bold contemporary art was identified among a uniquely daring and likeminded group of Rolls-Royce collectors. To bring this idea to life, we collaborated with Cyril Kongo, whose expressive, uncompromising style resonated perfectly with the spirit of Black Badge. What followed was an unprecedented collaboration, with Kongo working with and among our Bespoke Collective of designers, craftspeople and engineers to bring these extraordinary motor cars to life. Five unique Black Badge Cullinan Private Commissions are the result, each a unique work of art in its own right ,and represents the complete fusion of two unmistakable creative worlds”, Domagoj Dukec, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

“When I first saw Black Badge Cullinan, I felt compelled to create my own interpretation of the universe it belonged to – what I call ‘The Kongoverse’. It is a place of fantasy, mathematical formulas, symbols, pyramids, atoms and imagined planets. Rolls-Royce welcomed these ideas and gave them form – that’s what made it special. It was a conversation, using my visual language and Rolls-Royce’s way of making, with the motor car itself as the canvas. To bring that to life in collaboration with the brand’s artisans has been an extraordinary experience,” Cyril Kongo, Artist.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo; five exuberant Private Commissions featuring veneer and leather interior surfaces individually hand-painted by world-renowned multi-disciplinary artist, Cyril Kongo. All five motor cars share the same creative theme, but each features a unique expression of Kongo’s work. This project has been curated through the marque’s Private Offices in New York, Seoul, and the original Private Office at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood.

Black Badge Cullinan is a powerful canvas for Kongo’s work. As the darker, more subversive alter-ego of Rolls-Royce, Black Badge is the most daring expression of the brand. This mirrors the intensity of Kongo’s art, which appears on the Starlight Headliner, picnic tables, fascia, and Waterfall between the rear seats.

Using the interior surfaces of Black Badge Cullinan, Kongo brought ‘The Kongoverse’ – the artist’s aesthetic universe conceived for the collaboration with Rolls-Royce – to life within the motor car. This unique expression is shaped by destiny, imagination, and the power of individuality: themes that became central to Kongo during this landmark project.

An Unprecedented Collaboration

“What made this collaboration so special was the constant conversation between my universe and Rolls-Royce’s. Every idea was treated with care and curiosity. I was fully immersed in the brand’s creative studio,” Cyril Kongo, Artist.

To bring his vision to life, Rolls-Royce embraced Kongo as a member of the marque’s Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and artisans. Though the marque has a rich heritage of collaborating with leading creatives, this project represents an unprecedented depth of co-creation. From the outset, Kongo was embedded within the Bespoke Collective, working alongside the Rolls-Royce teams at the Home of Rolls-Royce. He was involved in every stage of the project’s conception, design and realisation, with a dedicated space created for him, where Kongo painted each element by hand.

“The way we worked together with Cyril Kongo was unprecedented. Six months before production began, we brought him to the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and immersed him in our world, meeting our specialists and craftspeople, sharing our tools and techniques, and placing our full paint palette at his disposal. When we came to co-create the motor cars, we set up dedicated workspaces within our Bespoke facilities, where Cyril and our specialists worked hand-in-hand, integrating his artistic language into each element. The collaboration fostered a continuous exchange of ideas and a shared spirit of curiosity and creative confidence. This fully embedded, in-house approach gave Cyril the freedom to explore his vision in the moment, true to the spontaneous nature of his art,” Phil Fabre de la Grange, Head of Bespoke, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Vivid Worlds: Adventures in the Kongoverse

“My art reflects the infinite power of imagination – picturing worlds that do not exist, but which could. To bring this vision to life with a Rolls-Royce was unforgettable,” Cyril Kongo, Artist.

Each motor car shares the same interior color treatment: a Black foundation with vivid bursts of color. For the first time, the interior is divided into four distinct zones, each defined by a contrasting colorway: Phoenix Red for the driver’s seat, Turchese for the front passenger’s seat, and Forge Yellow and Mandarin for the rear. These colors are expressed through stitching, piping, seat inserts and the ‘RR’ monograms on the headrests, as well as the lambswool carpets. From this shared palette, Kongo hand-painted five individual interior artworks, transforming each motor car into a true one-of-one collector’s piece.

Starlight Headliner: The Kongoverse, written in stars

A hand-painted Starlight Headliner – a roof lining creating the impression of a serene night sky within the motor car with 1,344 fiber-optic ‘stars’ – is the focal point of each Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo. In each artwork, Kongo introduces imagined planets and constellations alongside references to quantum physics – a subject that has fascinated him since sharing a studio with his brother, who is a physicist. Equations and formulae are embedded within his compositions, symbolizing the infinite potential of the imagination: a theme echoed in the infinity symbol, which codifies all Rolls-Royce Black Badge motor cars.

To realize his vision, Interior Surface Centre craftspeople prepared more than 70 paint colors, giving Kongo complete creative freedom to bring his artwork to life. Each composition was applied using a combination of sponges, airbrushes and brush tools.

After painting the Starlight Headliner, Kongo worked closely with Bespoke engineers to define the precise placement and color of all ‘stars’. Each ‘star’ was counted and individually marked by the artist before being painstakingly hand-punched and placed by the marque’s artisans. Each Starlight Headliner features various combinations of Blue, Phoenix Red, Forge Yellow, Cobalto Blue, Twickenham Green or Lime Green illuminations and eight Shooting Stars, including a final ‘star’ that spans the entire length of the ceiling – a Rolls-Royce first.

As a final, hidden detail, Kongo’s signature ‘tag’ motif is painted on the leather lining inside the sun visor and inside the luggage compartment lid. This hallmark design is also faithfully recreated in fine embroidery on the door leather.

Hand-painted interior surfaces: a continuous composition

“We talked about how to make the piece groove, how to keep the rhythm inside the motor car. For me, painting is like jazz. You move, but everything stays connected,” Cyril Kongo, Artist.

Each Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo features a Bespoke woodset individually hand-painted by the artist, extending across the fascia, center console, rear console, Picnic Tables and the Waterfall between the rear seats. Together, these elements form a single, continuous composition within the motor car.

Ahead of Kongo’s arrival, the Interior Surface Centre prepared each of the 19 veneered pieces by painting them in black and mounting them on specially created fixtures within the marque’s paint laboratory. Working directly onto these surfaces, Kongo applied his signature Kongoverse designs using airbrushes of varying sizes to achieve different levels of detail.

To enhance and protect the artworks, Rolls-Royce artisans applied ten layers of lacquer to each surface. Each piece was then sanded and polished to a brilliant finish, ensuring the depth and durability expected of a Rolls-Royce interior.

Bespoke Exterior: A Powerful Canvas

“I want people to discover this artwork step by step. The more you explore, the more you see. The exterior should only hint at the universe inside,” Cyril Kongo, Artist.

Each Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo motor car is presented in a rich Blue Crystal Over Black finish: the deep black paint is further elevated with a lacquer infused with blue particles that shimmer in sunlight, allowing the surface to appear almost blue in certain light. In a Rolls-Royce first, each features a Gradient Coachline: Phoenix Red transitions to Forge Yellow along the left side, Mandarin fades into Turchese along the right, with Kongo’s distinctive ‘tag’ symbol incorporated as a Bespoke motif within both. In another Rolls-Royce first, behind each 23-inch Part Polished Black Badge alloy wheel is a different coloured brake calliper: Phoenix Red, Turchese, Forge Yellow and Mandarin – colours selected to match the Coachline and the vivid colour accents in the interior.

The Phoenix Red ‘tag’ graphic used in the exterior Coachline is carried through to the Bespoke Illuminated Treadplates and the black Bespoke umbrellas concealed in the doors, where it appears as a subtle motif on the canopy.

Curated by Private Offices: The Power of Connection

The Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo project has been curated by Rolls-Royce Private Offices in Seoul, New York, and the original at Goodwood. Private Offices are creative hubs, available by invitation only, which serve as extensions of the Home of Rolls-Royce and further elevate the experience of commissioning a Bespoke Rolls-Royce motor car.

Each Private Office has a dedicated Rolls-Royce team based permanently in the region. Their deeply personal relationships with clients give them a unique insight into the cultural cues, passions, and interests of local collectors. It is through this lens that the Cyril Kongo collaboration took shape as both an artistic statement and a reflection of contemporary collector culture.

All five Black Badge Cullinan by Cyril Kongo motor cars are allocated to collectors worldwide.

Brian Del Rosario, a software engineer and part-time city-council member in a small town in Utah, uses AI chatbots for everything from meal planning to managing his schedule. In some of those conversations, he revealed he had a spouse and three children.

Then, after he and his wife separated, Del Rosario had to mention it to the chatbot so it wouldn’t include his wife when planning a future trip. But once he did, the chatbot latched onto the divorce.

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued the first operational permit for limited drone-based delivery of medicines and medical logistics to Terra Drone Arabia within the holy sites in Makkah during the 2026 Hajj season.

This reflects the authority’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies in the service of pilgrims.

The permit supports GACA’s efforts to advance the aviation sector, localize innovative solutions, and improve operational efficiency and response speed for medical and logistics services under the highest safety and quality standards.

The move builds on pilot operations conducted during last year’s Hajj, paving the way for the first permit of its kind, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 and the Aviation Program’s objectives.

Towell Auto Group officially introduced the legendary 212 4×4 SUV brand to Oman, bringing with it a heritage of true off-road capability engineered for enthusiasts who demand far more than conventional urban SUVs.

Purpose-built to conquer Oman’s diverse landscapes, from towering mountains and rugged wadis to deep desert terrain and rocky trails, the 212 arrives as a serious body-on-frame off-road SUV designed for adventure-seekers who value uncompromising capability, durability and adventure. The launch introduces two distinct models to Oman — the 212 Adventurer and the flagship 212 Navigator, both engineered to deliver robust 4×4 performance with advanced off-road technologies and inspiring mechanical engineering.

Sharing her thoughts at the launch, Ms. Abeer Riyadh Sultan, Executive Manager, MD’s Office, Towell Group, said, “The 212 represents authentic off-road engineering at its core. With its military-inspired heritage, advanced 4×4 technologies and exceptional capability, the 212 is purpose-built for Oman’s adventurous driving culture. We are proud to introduce a vehicle that delivers true off-road performance without compromise. We are confident that the true off-road enthusiasts will thoroughly enjoy every driving experience.”

Speaking at the occasion was Mr. Bruce, Sales director – Middle East Market, 212. He said, “The history of Beijing Auto Works and the 212 brand goes back to 1961, when the original 212 became one of the most recognized off-road vehicles built for durability, strength, and capability. Today, that legacy continues with a modern generation of vehicles designed for both adventure and everyday driving. Oman is a very important market for us. Its diverse landscapes, outdoor culture, and passion for exploration make it the perfect environment for the 212. Together with Towell Auto Group, we are excited to bring this iconic brand to the country and begin a strong long-term journey in the market.

Trusted and Validated by Oman Automobile Association (OAA)

Further strengthening the 212’s credentials in Oman is the trust certification awarded by the Oman Automobile Association (OAA) following extensive evaluation and testing conducted in specialised local conditions. This recognition highlights the vehicle’s proven ability to perform confidently across Oman’s demanding terrains while reinforcing the brand’s focus on engineering durability, reliability and true off-road capability.

Built for Oman’s True 4×4 Enthusiasts

At a time when many SUVs focus heavily on urban comfort and lifestyle styling, the 212 remains firmly rooted in authentic off-road engineering. Built on a body-on-frame ladder chassis using 99% high-strength steel, the 212 is designed to tackle extreme terrain with confidence and precision. Both the Adventurer and Navigator feature front, centre and rear differential locks, rigid axle suspension systems, multiple terrain drive modes and exceptional wading capability, features typically reserved for high-end dedicated off-road vehicles. Whether navigating steep mountain trails, crossing wadis or taking on Oman’s vast desert landscapes, the 212 has been developed to deliver dependable performance where it matters most.

A Legacy of Legendary Capability

Founded in 1958, Beijing Automobile Works (BAW) is one of China’s oldest and most respected automotive manufacturers. The iconic 212 was first introduced in 1961 and quickly earned a reputation for rugged reliability across military, government and civilian applications operating in some of the world’s harshest environments. Over more than six decades, the 212 has continuously evolved while remaining true to its original purpose, delivering dependable, go-anywhere capability backed by durable engineering and modern technology.

212 Adventurer

The 212 Adventurer combines rugged engineering with advanced off-road performance. It features a ground clearance of 235 mm, approach and departure angles of 40.3° and 35.5°, a wading depth of 659 mm and an impressive climbing capability of up to 80%. Powered by a 2.0L turbocharged engine producing 170 kW and 390 Nm of torque, the Adventurer is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and 10 selectable drive modes including Sand, Rock, Mud and Wade modes for demanding terrain conditions: 212 Adventurer prices starting from RO 11,999 (Excluding VAT)

Flagship 212 Navigator

The flagship 212 Navigator further elevates capability with a commanding 252 mm ground clearance, approach and departure angles of 42.1° and 38.3° and an extraordinary wading depth of 910 mm. Alongside its advanced 4×4 systems and triple differential locks, the Navigator is equipped with purpose-built accessories including a snorkel, cattle bar and trailer square mouth as standard, reinforcing its readiness for extreme off-road exploration.

Experience the Legendary 212 in Oman

The 212 range is now available in Oman through Towell Auto Group. Customers are invited to visit the 212 showroom in Al Hail to explore the Adventurer and Navigator models and experience their true off-road capability through a test drive.

As organizations accelerate AI adoption, software teams are rapidly shifting from simple AI assistants to autonomous coding agents. Without the right infrastructure, this transition often results in fragmented workflows, unmanaged spending, governance gaps, and code that lacks deep project context. To address these challenges, JetBrains, the creator of intelligent software development tools trusted by over 15 million users, today announces the official MENA launch of its open agent system. JetBrains is bringing JetBrains Air, Junie CLI, and JetBrains Central to the region’s tech hubs to help organizations move beyond AI hype and achieve real adoption at scale. By providing a developer-grade cockpit combined with an organization-grade control plane, JetBrains is positioning itself as the default platform for this new era of agentic software development.

JetBrains Air: The dedicated environment for parallel AI work

JetBrains Air is the Agentic Development Environment (ADE), designed to improve developer and team productivity through structured agentic workflows, collaboration, and task automation.

• Multi-agent orchestration: Developers can delegate tasks to different agents in the same tool – such as Claude Agent, Codex, Gemini CLI , and Junie CLI – running them concurrently within a single, unified workspace.
• Isolated execution: To ensure safety, agents run in isolated Docker containers and Git worktrees. Air optimizes how developers guide and review agent output, keeping reviews grounded in the full codebase context.
• Open and agent-agnostic: Built on the open Agent Client Protocol (ACP), Air provides the infrastructure for developers and teams to integrate their preferred agents. With a full ACP Registry coming soon, Air is ensuring a future-proof environment and the flexibility teams need to scale without the constraints of vendor lock-in.
• Workflow coherence: Air moves agentic work out of isolated chat tools and into a purpose-built, agent-native remote infrastructure. This provides a professional environment where agents have the compute and context needed to execute complex tasks without taxing local resources.

Junie CLI: The high-integrity, LLM-agnostic coding agent

Junie CLI is a standalone autonomous agent that delivers JetBrains’ signature “deep project understanding” beyond the IDE into terminals and automation workflows.

• Deep code-aware context: Leveraging 26 years of IDE expertise, Junie CLI provides agents with structured context – including symbols, navigation, and Git history – enabling reliable, production-grade behavior.
• LLM-agnostic by design: Through a “Bring Your Own Key” (BYOK) model, Junie supports all top-performing models, including Gemini, Claude, and GPT. This ensures organizations maintain full flexibility and control over their data and model choices.
• High-integrity, low-cost execution: By grounding work in codebase reality rather than prompt-based guesses, Junie stops “shadow tech debt” before it reaches production. This precision makes Junie cost-efficient by design; it delivers the same high-quality output as top-tier models but at up to 4x lower cost (based on SWE-rebench results), ensuring real ROI at scale.

JetBrains Central: The organizational-grade control plane

JetBrains Central (part of the JetBrains Cloud Platform) enables AI adoption at the organizational level by solving “AI era” problems of fragmented governance and unclear ROI.

• Governance and security: Provides a single governance layer to manage how agents interact with sensitive intellectual property, ensuring compliance and security across the team.
• Cost visibility: Offers a unified view of token consumption and AI spending, moving away from seat-based pricing to help finance and IT leads manage infrastructure costs.
• Secure execution: Acts as the execution plane that connects agents to the actual systems where software is built – repos, CI/CD, and knowledge bases – rather than isolated, unmanaged sandboxes

The JetBrains strategy: Openness, integrity, and ROI

Real AI adoption is currently blocked by governance concerns and fragmented tooling,” says Nadia Rinsky, Head of GTM in MENA at JetBrains. “Our strategy in MENA is built on the principle of earned adoption – providing tools that have a clear ROI for both the developer and the organization. By combining openness with deep integrity, we enable teams to adopt agents incrementally without being forced into proprietary silos.”

Aramex, a leading global provider of comprehensive logistics and transportation solutions, has announced a partnership with Netzero, a Saudi-developed smart afforestation platform, to plant trees across the Riyadh and Jeddah Industrial Cities.

The smart tree sustainability initiative is a key step in Aramex’s ESG efforts, reinforcing its national and global environmental responsibilities, while directly contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.

Speaking about the partnership, Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Nowaiser, General Manager of Aramex in KSA, said: “Sustainability is not a peripheral commitment at Aramex – it sits at the centre of how we operate across every market we serve. In Saudi Arabia, we have a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to the country’s environmental ambitions, and this partnership with Netzero allows us to do exactly that. What makes this initiative stand apart is the rigour behind it: every tree is digitally tracked and independently verified, giving our customers, partners and regulators transparent, real-time evidence of the impact we are delivering. We are proud to be planting a green space in the industrial communities where we work every day.”

Reflecting on the partnership, Dr. Mohammed Alshaikh, Co-Founder of Netzero, said: “At Netzero, we believe that true sustainability is not achieved simply by planting trees, but by building a deeper connection between people and nature, and transforming environmental impact into tangible value that communities can truly experience. Through technology and innovation, we work to turn every tree into a measurable impact that supports sustainability goals, empowers communities, and contributes to building a more balanced and sustainable future for generations to come.”

The initiative will see Neem and Poinciana trees planted in targeted urban and industrial zones selected for their resilience under desert conditions. Both species are well-suited to high-temperature, low-rainfall environments and have been chosen for their capacity to enhance soil quality, provide shade and improve air quality in areas with dense operational activity.

By selecting species proven to support urban biodiversity and reduce ambient temperatures, the initiative is designed to deliver measurable benefits to the communities and ecosystems surrounding both industrial cities.

Founded in 2019 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Netzero has built its afforestation platform around Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies that digitize the full lifecycle of a tree, from planting and maintenance to carbon-sequestration estimation. Its Nabatik system creates a smart tree database that gives corporate partners continuous, auditable records of their afforestation activities.

The partnership also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national environmental agenda. The Saudi Green Initiative has set a target of planting ten billion trees across the Kingdom, with corporate initiatives forming a key pillar of that effort.

Moreover, Netzero platform digitally logs, tracks and verifies each tree through locally developed AI and machine-learning tools, giving Aramex real-time visibility of its environmental impact and ensuring independent verification of carbon-offset data. The data generated will inform broader ESG reporting and identify further sustainability opportunities across its KSA operations. The initiative is part of Aramex’s broader efforts to address environmental concerns and combat climate change and aims to achieve Carbon-Neutrality by 2030 and Net-Zero emissions by 2050 across its global operations.

The Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) launched a new campaign aimed at reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a preferred GCC tourism destination. The promotion highlights a packed calendar of entertainment, cultural, sports, and family-focused experiences taking place across the Kingdom.

The campaign coincides with a diverse lineup of events being hosted in the country, including live concerts and theatrical productions in collaboration with Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre. These will be held alongside festivals and entertainment activations such as the third edition of the Bahrain Summer Festival at Exhibition World Bahrain. Visitors can also enjoy family attractions, sports events, and shopping festivals across major malls and other tourist centers, creating a well-rounded tourism experience that combines entertainment, culture, and shopping in a single travel destination.

Ms. Sara Ahmed Buhiji, BTEA Chief Executive Officer said: “This initiative reflects the BTEA’s continued efforts to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a preferred destination for GCC families and other visitors by offering a unique tourism experience that brings together entertainment, culture, sports, shopping, dining, and family activities. It showcases the Kingdom as a destination that is easy to reach and rich in experiences, making it an ideal choice for weekend getaways and short holidays.”

She added that the program accompanying the campaign includes a variety of attractions catering to different interests and age groups, while reflecting the authentic Gulf hospitality that Bahrain is known for.

Buhiji added: “We look forward to welcoming GCC visitors to a vibrant season of events where families and friends can get together in a lively, enjoyable, and safe atmosphere, and in a country with an advanced tourism infrastructure that offers visitors a seamless and comfortable experience.”

The campaign will also feature travel packages and hotel offers developed in collaboration with hospitality and tourism sector partners, in addition to shopping promotions and diverse entertainment options, further enhancing the visitor experience and catering to GCC travelers seeking a nearby destination that combines familiarity with fresh and memorable attractions.

Starbucks SBUX 0.98%increase; green up pointing triangle is laying off 300 U.S. workers and closing several regional corporate offices in the latest move by Chief Executive Brian Niccol to turn the coffee chain around.

The company said Friday that chain leaders had been tasked with finding additional reductions beyond thousands of previous layoffs to streamline operations, lower costs and create a more sustainable business.

Australian luxury bag and accessories brand MAISON de SABRÉ  has unveiled The Trio Collection, a new handbag concept centred on personalisation, interchangeable styling and the brand’s signature bold use of colour.

The launch follows the highly successful launch of the brand’s Palais Collection, which marked a new chapter for MAISON de SABRÉ with its use of butter-soft calf leather, dual-tone carryalls and elevated craftsmanship designed to blend luxury with functionality.

Now, the brand is taking a more playful and customisable direction.

The Trio Collection centres around The Soft Trio, a softly structured leather crossbody crafted from a single piece of full-grain European leather using a stitch-free trifold construction.

The collection also introduces interchangeable accessories including The Utility Strap, The Twist Handle and the limited-edition Bow Padlock Charm, allowing wearers to style the bag in more than 720 different combinations.

At a time when luxury fashion houses are increasingly leaning into personal expression and collectability, MAISON de SABRÉ’s latest release feels designed for customers who want one bag to shift across moods, outfits and occasions rather than sit quietly in a wardrobe.

For the first time, the brand has also introduced its vivid dual-tone colour combinations across an entire collection, including new shades Daisy Yellow and Brick Red alongside pairings such as Dove Sky, Candy Plum and Daisy Matcha.

“The Trio Collection is designed as a system of infinite possibilities,” said Omar Sabré, co-founder and creative director of MAISON de SABRÉ.

“It’s crafted to adapt, to transform and to carry with purpose – crafting a new approach to longevity through design.”

The collection continues the brand’s sustainability focus, with every piece crafted using DriTan™ leather technology sourced from LWG Gold-Rated European tanneries, while several accessories incorporate upcycled leather offcuts.

Prices start from $109 AUD for the limited-edition Bow Padlock Charm and rise to $559 AUD for The Soft Trio carryall.

Founded in 2017 by brothers Omar and Zane Sabré, the Australian-born label has built a global following through its colour-driven leather accessories and collectible SABRÉMOJI™ charms, with celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Meryl Streep and Katy Perry among those seen carrying the brand.

There is an age-old debate on the generational divide when it comes to managing money. It often starts with familiar assumptions: the young are impulsive, the old play it too safe; the young are more tech-savvy, the old are not so plugged in.

But eToro shows a more nuanced picture, according to its latest UAE Retail Investor Beat survey data comparing investors aged 18-34 with those aged 35-62. 

The survey found that older investors are just as digitally savvy as younger investors. Both groups use social media for financial advice at almost the same rate, as 39% of younger investors and 38% of older investors do so. Trust in AI for investment recommendations is also nearly identical: 76% of younger investors and 75% of older investors have acted on a recommendation by an AI engine. Rather than being concentrated among the youth, social media and AI usage has risen across both age groups from August 2025, the last time the survey was conducted.

A sharper distinction lies in older investors being more likely to seek financial advice from online platforms or brokers (57% vs 52% of younger investors), while younger investors are more likely to consult family, friends, colleagues and industry peers (67% vs 60% of older investors), suggesting a more social and interpersonal approach to decision-making.

Differences in allocations

It may come as a surprise that older investors show higher exposure to crypto (56% vs 53% of younger investors), commodities (61% vs 52%), but also cash (50% vs 46%). Allocations to equities and bonds, both foreign and local, are broadly equal between both age groups. This suggests a more barbelled approach among older investors, who may be pairing higher-risk assets with typically less-volatile ones, rather than simply playing it safe. 

In terms of the sectors that UAE investors are currently invested in, the most popular ranking is the same across both age groups – financial services, followed by real estate and energy – but some sectors are more popular among one age group than the other. 

Younger investors have a greater preference for technology (36% vs 32% of older investors), healthcare (26% vs 23%) and renewables (26% vs 24%), whereas older investors prefer energy (42% vs 38%  of younger investors), financial services (51% vs 48%) and mining (28% vs 26%). This points to a younger investor base backing future-facing sectors linked to innovation and sustainability, while the more mature investors are more likely to support industries that are well established in the UAE.

Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro added: as they are earlier on in their investment journey, naturally younger investors are more likely to plan to invest in a wider array of sectors in the future to keep diversifying their portfolio. The sector they are most likely to invest in within the next three months is renewables (45%), while for older investors it is communications (40%).

Communications, including social media and telecoms companies, stands out as a point of equal conviction, with 27% of each age group currently invested and another 40% planning to invest in the next three months. While this feels almost instinctive among younger investors, its presence in older investors’ portfolios reflect the trust in the digital, social, and media ecosystems they are turning to for advice. 

Investment goals suggest financial independence first, fun on the side.

Likewise, the two groups share the same top three investing goals: to achieve financial independence, to supplement income, and to provide long-term security. However, there are still some divergences. Older investors are much more likely to invest to beat inflation (27% vs 23% of younger investors) and to supplement income (52% vs 44%). 

On the other hand, younger investors are more likely to invest for fun (15% vs 11% of older investors), to retire early (19% vs 15%) and to generate capital for a future payment (28% vs 25%). So despite choosing to invest for fun, younger investors are also balancing it out with long-term financial planning.

Still in the wealth-building phase of their investing journey, 59% of younger investors increased contributions to their portfolio over the past three months (vs 55% of older investors), and even more plan for increases in the next three (68% vs 62%). A small minority of each group (9% of younger investors, 8% of older investors) decreased portfolio values in the past three months, against the backdrop of recent geopolitical tensions in the region.

Settling the debate.

The data shows that old assumptions are becoming outdated. The tide has turned. Social media, artificial intelligence and crypto are no longer the territories of young investors alone. Older investors are part of the digital mainstream now.

What stands out is that both groups are leaning into markets right now, with both younger and older investors looking to increase portfolio exposure.  In an environment where markets have been anything but straightforward, with geopolitical noise, rate uncertainty and volatility a constant backdrop, it suggests investors are here for the long-term.  

Furthermore, younger investors are not simply impulsive, and older investors are not simply cautious. Both are adapting to a more digital, diversified investment landscape, just in different ways. 

Settling the debate, then, is recognising that age shapes investment behaviour in more nuanced ways than stereotypes allow. 

As the supply chain to support quantum hardware stabilizes, many experts anticipate that this emerging technology will be popularized and production-ready by the early 2030s. Some assume that means benefitting from quantum now is out of the question.

Enter quantum AI, a powerful approach involving running machine learning algorithms on existing quantum hardware. In practice, applying quantum AI can look like helping organizations accomplish hours-long tasks in minutes, or rendering problems once considered impossible to realize on existing hardware. It can also look like calibrating models to learn efficiently on less data, bolstering stability over time – and much more.

So, with all its potential benefits, what’s holding back organizations from greater investment?

Data and AI leader SAS surveyed more than 500 global leaders across industries on quantum AI. In the first installment of the survey in 2025, high cost of implementation ranked as the number one barrier to adoption, followed by lack of understanding or knowledge. That’s changed in 2026.

What are the top barriers to quantum AI adoption in 2026?

The greatest barriers to quantum AI adoption in 2026 ranked as follows among survey respondents.

1. Uncertainty around practical, real-world uses.
2. High cost of implementation. 
3. Lack of trained personnel.
4. Lack of knowledge or understanding.
5. Limited availability of quantum AI solutions.
6. Lack of clear regulatory guidelines.

What is quantum AI, and why do organizations want to use it?

SAS looks at classical and quantum computing as a spectrum: with proven classical computing on one end, and experimental and exponentially more powerful quantum computing on the other. Many industry and business problems fall somewhere in the middle, with a hybrid approach splitting workloads: quantum processing and classical processing each doing what they do best.

“Organizations of all sizes are eager to develop intellectual property – their original, patented approach to quantum AI – so they’ll be ready as the technology comes of age,” said Bill Wisotsky, Principal Quantum Architect at SAS. “Despite continued strong interest, leaders are understandably proceeding with caution, and they don’t want to go all-in on expensive quantum investments they fear may not result in worthwhile use cases and solved problems. 

“SAS is working to level the playing field, establishing real-world use cases for today, and ensuring that customers can get a piece of the quantum pie tomorrow.”

How can customers prepare for the quantum economy?

“This survey illuminates what SAS experts were already seeing in the market: that leaders are excited to use quantum, but the barriers to entry have been too high, and that requires a solution,” said Amy Stout, Head of Quantum Product Strategy at SAS. “SAS is excited to give a sneak peek of SAS Quantum Lab, a hands-on playground to learn and innovate for real-world ROI.”

What is SAS Quantum Lab?

Coming in Q4 to SAS Viya customers, SAS Quantum Lab is a launchpad for the quantum AI journey. It’s designed to be a complement to quantum experts on their existing work, and to empower users who may not be quantum physicists, but are ready to explore, test and validate their ideas. It significantly reduces the cost of quantum AI exploration and helps customers avoid false signals, all while exploring this powerful technology efficiently and credibly.

SAS Quantum Lab is currently being designed to include the following:

• The ability to compare, side-by-side, classical, quantum and hybrid results for industry use cases, letting users find the best solutions for their business problems.
• Performance-boosting capabilities, with current testing showing more than 100 times speedup and 99% cost savings.
• A virtual quantum AI tutor to accelerate learning by answering questions, offering sample code and suggesting next steps.

What could be possible with quantum AI?

At the conclusion of the survey, respondents had the option to answer a write-in question: if they were currently working on quantum, what use cases did they hope to achieve, or what business problem would they like to solve? Responses included the following.

• To enhance the accuracy of fraud detection systems in financial serves, enabling more efficient identification of complex transaction patterns.
• To optimize 5G network path traffic in real-time.
• To accelerate molecular simulation and the drug discovery process for new therapeutic candidates.
• For supply chain distribution and to optimize logistics problems.
• To improve machine learning workflows with a focus on predictive modeling for customer behavior.
• To train large language models for natural language processing tasks, reducing the time and resources for model optimization.

“If you’re ready to explore quantum AI, we’re ready to work with you,” added Wisotsky. “Bring your ideas, and our experts will help determine if and how quantum AI can be incorporated in ways that are valuable, safe and sensible.”