AI-Enhanced Traffic Lights in Dubai – News Roundup
This news roundup tracks the latest AI trends and developments across the the UAE (Dubai), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) and Qatar (Doha).
Here’s your AI in the Gulf news roundup for the end of October 2024. As part of our mission to keep you in the know, we’re bringing you the most intriguing AI developments in the Gulf. These are insights you won’t want to miss.
Note: Only PAID subscribers get our news analysis at the end of these roundups.
🇦🇪 UAE
Sharjah & Microsoft UAE Team Up on AI Training
Sharjah has launched a national initiative to level up thousands of government employees with AI skills, thanks to a new agreement with Microsoft UAE. This bold step includes everyone from execs to IT specialists, giving them the tools to boost productivity and drive fresh ideas in government. (Khaleej Times, 14 October)
Dubai’s Gettix Global 2024 Draws 400+ Government Agencies
Dubai just hosted what’s being called the world’s largest tech and business event, welcoming 400 government bodies and digital development agencies worldwide. The aim? To join forces in building an AI-driven future economy. (Al-Ittihad, 14 October)
UAE CEOs Double Down on AI for Cybersecurity
A new study shows nearly 98% of CEOs and senior managers in the UAE are investing more in AI as cyber threats climb. With over 63% seeing a spike in attacks compared to last year, UAE leaders are making cybersecurity a top priority. (Khaleej Times, 14 October)
Senior AI Official Envisions Tech & Defense Ventures With US Companies
UAE will see more mega collaboration and joint venture projects with US companies following landmark deals signed between the two countries' top technology and defense firms recently, a senior official said. "I believe we'll see more and more collaboration, technology sharing and joint development of AI applications … The door is opening up for us for a lot more,” said Peng Xiao, CEO of G42 – a UAE-based technology company focused on AI. (Khaleej Times, 15 October)
Dubai’s Traffic Lights Go Smart
Dubai is set to enhance its traffic lights with AI technologies, minimizing human intervention. The upgraded traffic lights will possess the capability to predict traffic flow and prioritize passage for ambulances, pedestrians, police, buses, and civil defense vehicles. Additionally, they will adjust green and red light durations to alleviate congestion. (Al-Bayan, 16 October)
AI-Driven ‘We the UAE 2031’ Platform Launched
Aiming to make the UAE a leading global partner, the government has launched the “We the UAE 2031” platform, powered by AI and featuring over 70 international trends for strategic design. (Al-Ittihad, 17 October)
Middle East’s First AI-Optimized Data Center to Open in 2025
Khazna Data Centers is gearing up to launch the region’s first AI-optimized data center in Ajman. With a massive 100MW capacity, this center’s slated to go live by Q3 2025, aiming to be a game-changer for AI-driven storage and processing. (Khaleej Times, 17 October)
AI Tools Thwart 71 Million Cyberattacks in Q1 2024
Cybersecurity Council Chairman Muhammad Al-Kuwaiti announced that the UAE successfully thwarted 71 million cyberattacks in the first quarter of 2024, leveraging AI-based early warning technology. He characterized AI as a game changer in the advancement of the cybersecurity sector. (Al-Bayan, 17 October)
Abu Dhabi Looks to AI for National Growth
The Executive Council of Abu Dhabi reviewed strategies to strengthen national capabilities in emerging sectors, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, biotechnology, clean energy, and autonomous systems. The council also examined opportunities to expand AI-driven solutions across various industries, including transportation, energy, healthcare, and public services. (Al-Bayan, 18 October)
Survey: Emirati Companies Lead Middle East Businesses in Embracing AI, Cloud for Sustainability
A recent survey by Alibaba Cloud revealed that 86% of businesses in the Middle East consider digital technology crucial to achieving their sustainability goals. As per the study, Emirati companies demonstrated the highest interest in adopting advanced technologies such as AI and cloud services. (Al-Bayan, 21 October)
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
Saudi Navy Conference To Discuss AI Integration Strategies in Maritime Operations
Royal Saudi Naval Forces will host the third Maritime Saudi Forum from November 19 to 21. This event will address a range of topics, including maritime strategies incorporating artificial intelligence, regulatory frameworks for integrating AI into maritime operations, cybersecurity threats, and the development of maritime training programs designed to empower personnel in navigating the AI revolution. Participants from around the globe, including military representatives and experts from scientific and technical fields, will attend the event. (Al-Jazirah, 17 October)
Saudi Minister of Industry Highlights AI's Role in Transforming National Industry Strategy
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar al-Khurayyef, emphasized that the national industrial strategy of Saudi Arabia prioritizes the adoption of technologies associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including artificial intelligence integration, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies. Speaking at the ComoLake2024 conference in Italy, he highlighted that AI is playing a crucial role in transforming Saudi industrial facilities into smart entities, significantly enhancing productivity and safety (Al-Jazirah, 17 October)
🇶🇦 Qatar
Prime Minister Says Government To Develop Education for AI-Driven Future
Qatari Prime Minister Muhammad bin Abd al-Rahman Al Thani stated that the Qatari government is committed to developing the educational system to effectively address the challenges posed by the Industrial Revolution and artificial intelligence, aiming to empower the next generation with enhanced capabilities. (Al-Arab, 16 October)
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🇰🇼 Kuwait
Kuwaiti, British Speakers To Discuss AI's Role in Enhancing Cybersecurity
The Kuwait College of Science and Technology will host the sixth edition of the Conference on Education and Research in Cybersecurity from October 21 to 22. Speakers from Kuwait and the United Kingdom will address key issues related to cybersecurity in the era of artificial intelligence, including privacy concerns, the role of AI in strengthening cybersecurity measures, and the protection of industrial control systems. (Al-Ra'y, 15 October)
Meeting Discusses Digital Empowerment, AI as Key Drivers for Kuwait's Transformation
The Central Agency for Information Technology (CAIT) and the Association of artificial Intelligence of Things held the Digital Empowerment and AI Forum to discuss the application of AI across various sectors. CAIT Chairwoman Najat Ibrahim stated that the three-day event would explore cutting-edge technologies, including autolearning, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. The forum will also present strategies for achieving full digital transformation in Kuwait. (Al-Ra'y, 21 October)
🇴🇲 Oman
Conference Calls For Establishment of Comprehensive Legal Framework for AI Regulation
Sultan Qaboos University convened a meeting to discuss the legal challenges inherent in a digital world. The meeting recommended that Oman finalize its artificial intelligence strategy and establish a legal framework to regulate AI, effectively addressing the legal issues presented by this emerging technology. (Oman, 10 October)
🇧🇭 Bahrain
King Urges Intensified Efforts to Broaden AI Integration Across Key Sectors
In his inaugural speech to the Shura and Representatives Councils, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the efforts made to enhance food security and manage natural resources in the country, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence technologies. He called for intensifying efforts to expand the application of AI across various sectors and for the formulation of relevant criteria and systems to maximize the benefits of this technology. (Al-Ayyam, 13 October)
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