What Spatial AI, World Models & Quantum Computing Mean For The Global Economy - Cathy Hackl

What Spatial AI, World Models & Quantum Computing Mean For The Global Economy - Cathy Hackl

From The AI XR Podcast by Charlie Fink Productions

March 17, 2026 · 49 min · Episode 284

About this episode

Cathy Hackl discusses the future of AI and connectivity in the Middle East and its implications for the global economy.

Cathy Hackl, futurist for Nokia and advisor to the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), joins the podcast to discuss her fascinating work across the Middle East and her insights on the next generation of AI and connectivity. Learn how nations like the UAE and KSA are strategically positioning themselves to lead in spatial computing, quantum supremacy, and a hopeful, future-forward vision of AI. Cathy details her work in the Middle East, including her residency in the UAE and her advisory roles on massive projects like NEOM and Qiddiya, explaining how these regions are embracing technology as a means to modernize. She shares her perspective on the shift in global venture capital, noting how Europe and the Middle East are providing significant funding that is moving beyond traditional Silicon Valley terms. AI XR News You Should Know: The hosts discuss massive AI funding rounds, including a $1 billion seed round for Advanced Machine Intelligence and a $500 million round for Mind Robotics, highlighting the intense capital war for chips and the boom in robotics. They also cover the rise of YouTube as the world's largest media company and the ethical questions surrounding the collection of…

People in this episode

Guest: Cathy Hackl

Topics covered

  • Spatial AI
  • Quantum Computing
  • Global Economy
  • Venture Capital
  • Robotics
  • Middle East Technology

Keywords

  • Spatial Computing
  • Quantum Supremacy
  • AI Funding
  • Robotics
  • Middle East
  • Venture Capital

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Nokia, Boston Consulting Group, NEOM, Qiddiya, YouTube

Places: UAE, KSA

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