From beauty to brains, fitness to filmmaking, here’s how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quietly reshaping everyday life by offering customised solutions for people for different purposes, effectively turning itself into a personal assistant

Muscat – In just a few short years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from sci-fi fascination to an everyday essential. No longer confined to tech labs or futuristic visions, it now sits in our pockets, speaks through our devices, and quietly shapes how we live. From tailoring fitness plans to offering mental health support, from helping to craft a screenplay to fine-tuning a PhD thesis, AI is transforming the way we approach our goals. For many, it has become more than a helper – it’s a motivator, co-creator, and guide.

We spoke to people across the region whose lives have been touched by AI in deeply personal ways. Their stories reveal the possibilities and boundaries of this powerful new partner.

Beauty and balance – Sarah bint Juma al Wahaibi

University student Sarah al Wahaibi turned to AI for a more personalised approach to skincare and wellness. Using ChatGPT and Gemini, she received tailored diet and product recommendations based on her skin concerns. She uses the iPhone Health app but remains cautious. “I don’t fully rely on it. It’s not always accurate, so I never make final decisions based on it.” For Sarah, AI is a valuable source of options, but not a substitute for professional advice. “The greatest benefit is the abundance of options – but the danger lies in depending on it without professional guidance,” she asserts.

Digital ear for the mind – Sumya al Balushi

For introvert Sumya, AI became a safe conversational space. “I felt like I was talking to a real person,” she says of her early chats with ChatGPT. She values its ability to present multiple perspectives and help her regulate emotional responses. She prefers AI for certain topics. The tool helped her regulate emotional responses and interact more calmly with others. “It understands me without needing long explanations,” she adds. For Sumya, AI wasn’t just a chatbot – it was a path to healing.

From Daydream to Director – Amit Kumar

Amit Kumar, a corporate employee, always dreamt of making films. AI turned that dream into reality. With tools like Sudowrite and StoryLab for scripting, Pika Labs and Runway for visuals, and ElevenLabs for voiceovers, he now produces entire short films solo. “People say AI has no soul, but this is just the beginning,” he says. “Generative models are already mind-blowing. It takes trial and error, but daily credits on most platforms make it easy to learn. It’s like having a 24×7 assistant who never gets tired.”

Fitness, Fast-Tracked – Faisal Khan

At 42, IT manager Faisal Khan wanted to reclaim his fitness without losing hours to planning. AI-based apps like Fitbod and Freeletics gave him customised gym routines, while ChatGPT helped plan meals around his macros. Wearable trackers monitored his hydration, sleep, and recovery. For Faisal, AI became a personal coach that never clocks out. “AI tracks everything – so I can focus on training hard and recovering smart,” he adds. AI, indeed, became a game-changer in transforming Faisal’s physique significantly.

Sharper scholarship – Nandhini Nandakumar

While pursuing her PhD in Psychology at Lincoln University, Malaysia, Nandhini Nandakumar uses AI to summarise research, generate citations, review grammar, and manage her schedule. “It’s like a silent partner,” she says. The time saved allows her to focus on developing interventions for autistic children—her true academic passion. “It helps me organise content, schedule my day, and focus on important tasks on hand.” For Nandhini, AI not only saves time, but amplifies purpose.

Active collaborator

These personal stories point to a common theme: AI is no longer an abstract concept but an active collaborator in our lives. Whether improving health, fuelling creativity, or sharpening research skills, AI is reshaping how we set goals and achieve them. And as AI continues to learn from users, the users themselves are learning to grow with it.

(Inputs: Asma al Balushi)