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

Mar 17, 2026

Cathy Hackl, futurist and advisor with Nokia and BCG experience, specializes in spatial computing, world models, and tech strategy in the Middle East. She discusses how UAE and KSA pursue spatial AI, quantum sensing and communications, and build local tech ecosystems. Conversations cover residency-driven talent strategies, major regional projects like NEOM, and shifting global venture capital flows.

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INSIGHT

Networks Are The Foundation For Agentic Physical AI

Cathy Hackl emphasizes that AI-native networks and world models are foundational for agentic physical AI rather than just model-focused advances.
She’s working with Nokia on future connectivity and sees networks as the critical infrastructure enabling robots, drones, glasses, and holograms.

ANECDOTE

Cathy's Residency And Work On NEOM And Qiddiya

Cathy became a UAE resident and worked on virtual and gaming strategy for NEOM and Qiddiya, advising big GCC projects.
She mentions residency benefits like golden visas and that she may pursue Saudi gifted residency too.

ADVICE

Spend Real Time To Win Business In The Middle East

Go spend meaningful time in the Middle East to build relationships because business there is relationship-driven and can't be done over Zoom.
Cathy says deals and projects now require in-person partnership and long-term engagement, not just a one-off check.

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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 human data to train robots.

Key Moments

[00:01:19] Intro: Friday the 13th and geopolitical news.
[00:02:17] Mind Robotics & Advanced Machine Intelligence: Discussing the $500M and $1B seed rounds for robotics and AI startups.
[00:04:04] Headband Camera for Robot Training: Debate on the ethics of companies paying people to wear cameras to collect training data for robots, comparing it to "Gargoyles" from Snow Crash.
[00:10:12] YouTube Surpasses Disney & Netflix: Discussion on YouTube becoming the world’s largest media company with $62 billion in revenue.
[00:11:29] AI & Media Market Dominance: Questioning whether today’s AI music and video companies will eventually surpass all big film, music, and streaming companies.
[00:14:40] Cathy Hackl Interview Begins: Cathy discusses her work as a futurist for Nokia, focusing on AI-native networks.
[00:16:26] KSA Projects: Cathy's experience working on the virtual and gaming strategy for Qiddiya and on the KSA Pavilion at the World Expo.
[00:22:07] Golden Visa & Gifted Residency: The privileges associated with becoming a resident of the UAE or KSA for highly skilled talent.

This conversation offers a vital global perspective on technology, innovation, and culture that is often missed when focusing solely on Silicon Valley. Understanding these geopolitical and technological movements is key for anyone trying to anticipate where the next wave of global innovation will truly come from.

This episode of The AI XR Podcast is brought to you by Zappar, the folks behind Mattercraft, a leading visual development environment for building immersive 3D web experiences—mattercraft.io.

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