Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Spotlights AI’s Transformative Role in UAE
In a visit to the UAE, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the profound impact of AI in driving…
In a visit to the UAE, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the profound impact of AI in driving…
Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 has welcomed 23 new startups in its latest cohort, collectively securing over $53 million in funding. These startups will join the Company Building Programme and receive substantial incentives and cash for equity. The surge in applications reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as an innovation hub. The startups span various sectors, including FinTech and ClimateTech. Some will join Hub71+ Digital Assets, benefiting from a network of partners. Two ClimateTech startups focus on sustainability. Hub71 offers mentorship, support, and a vast network, enhancing startups’ growth prospects in Abu Dhabi’s tech ecosystem.
The Middle East is experiencing a significant surge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption, reshaping various industries. Government initiatives and investments are driving AI development, particularly in healthcare, where AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing patient care and diagnostics. Education is becoming more personalized with AI-driven tools, and automation is enhancing business efficiency and customer experiences. While challenges like ethics and regulation exist, opportunities for AI startups are abundant, with AI poised to transform the Middle East’s economy and society. The region’s AI journey is a global story of innovation and growth.
Moro Hub, a subsidiary of Digital DEWA, is set to collaborate with SAP to bring SAP’s public cloud services to Moro’s solar-powered Green Data Centre, the world’s largest of its kind. This partnership aims to help UAE organizations reduce their environmental footprint while leveraging SAP’s cloud solutions. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s sustainability goals and its commitment to digitalization. The move builds on a long-standing relationship between DEWA and SAP, marking a significant step toward responsible growth and operational excellence in the UAE.
A KPMG report reveals that 89 percent of UAE tech leaders are confident in their current technology’s ability to drive business growth, surpassing global peers by 16 percent. The report highlights a focus on AI, ESG, and XaaS technologies, with strong belief in AI’s ROI. Additionally, tech leaders prioritize employee satisfaction and cybersecurity. Challenges include data management and legacy tech limitations. The UAE envisions a digital evolution reshaping various industries in line with its centennial 2071 ambitions.
Standard Chartered’s fifth cohort of the Women in Tech accelerator programme, launched in partnership with DIFC Innovation Hub, has awarded a total of USD 100,000 in equity-free seed capital to the top three female-led tech startups in the UAE.
Awfar.com, a leading e-commerce solutions provider, has joined forces with Value Maker Studio (VMS) to empower Saudi startups. Awfar.com’s expertise in customer engagement and e-commerce complements VMS’s venture studio capabilities. This partnership aims to nurture entrepreneurial talent, simplify market entry, and drive innovation in the Saudi Arabian startup scene. Additionally, VMS is launching a “Bridge Program” in 2024, assisting Egyptian tech startups in expanding into the Saudi market, offering vital resources and connections to investors and mentors.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) introduced two initiatives at an event in Dubai to promote gender diversity in tech. “Qudwatech” offers a 12-week mentorship program for women in tech, and AWS signed an MoU with the Dubai Business Women Council for a one-year program targeting mid- to senior-level women. These initiatives underscore AWS’s commitment to advancing gender diversity in the tech industry and received support from influential figures at the event.
Ooredoo Kuwait has proudly announced the largest 5G and Voice Over LTE (VoLTE) coverage in Kuwait, offering connectivity in over 175 countries through partnerships with 350 operators. The company’s commitment to telecommunications excellence is evident in its extensive range of roaming packs, including unique features like unlimited internet while roaming. Ooredoo Passport provides cost-effective communication solutions for travelers, making international experiences hassle-free.
Saudi Arabia’s National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) signed significant cybersecurity agreements with Qatar, Romania, Spain, and Kuwait during the 2023 Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) in Riyadh. The event, themed “Charting Shared Priorities in Cyberspace,” facilitated discussions on strategic cybersecurity directions and global challenges, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing cyber threats and securing the digital landscape.