Through the AI Launchpad programme, The National embedded AI across its newsroom, launching new audience experiences while developing a structured, responsible approach to innovation.

 

Overview

The National, a leading English-language news outlet in the UAE, partnered with FT Strategies through the AI Launchpad, supported by the Google News Initiative, to explore how artificial intelligence could support content distribution, streamline workflows and drive audience engagement.

While the organisation had experimented with AI tools prior to the programme, efforts were fragmented and lacked a structured approach. A key priority was to develop a clear framework for experimentation, alongside a tangible, audience-facing product that demonstrated the value of AI.

 

Approach

Over six months, The National worked with FT Strategies to introduce a structured, sprint-based approach to innovation, combining editorial expertise with data-led experimentation.

Key elements included:

  • Identifying and prioritising a pipeline of AI use cases (now 30+ identified opportunities)
  • Building AI literacy across the newsroom through workshops, town halls and cross-team collaboration
  • Establishing clear governance and an internal AI charter to ensure responsible use
  • Embedding defined ownership, success metrics and transparent decision-making

The team prioritised a flagship initiative, Choose Your Experience, designed to give readers more flexibility in how they consume content.

 

Solution

The first implementation focused on AI-generated key point summaries, now branded as “Summarise – powered by AI, curated by The National”.

This feature sits within a redesigned article toolbar, allowing readers to choose between:

  • Full article
  • Key points
  • Listen to article (with text-to-speech in English and Arabic)

All AI-generated outputs are reviewed by editors before publication, ensuring human oversight remains central.

The feature launched in the Business section and is now being rolled out across the wider site.

 

Results

The programme delivered both product innovation and organisational transformation:

  • New audience experience: Launch of key points module underpinning a broader “choose your format” proposition
  • 30+ AI use cases identified across editorial, product and operational workflows
  • Increased efficiency and focus through structured experimentation and prioritisation
  • Improved collaboration between editorial, product and engineering teams
  • Greater confidence in AI adoption, shifting perceptions from uncertainty to clarity

The team also demonstrated the ability to stop underperforming initiatives, reflecting a more mature, evidence-based approach to innovation.

 

Impact

The most significant outcome was cultural.

AI is no longer seen as an abstract or intimidating concept, but as a practical tool embedded in daily workflows. Teams now share a common language around innovation, enabling ideas to move more effectively from concept to delivery.

By the end of the programme, The National had established a repeatable framework for testing, scaling and governing AI initiatives, supporting a shift from one-off projects to long-term strategic planning.

 

Key takeaway

The National has not only launched new AI-powered features but also built a sustainable capability for change, positioning the organisation to innovate responsibly and continuously in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.