Omran Sharaf, UAE’s assistant foreign minister for advanced science and technology, warned at the AI, Security, and Ethics Summit in Geneva about the risks of AI falling into the wrong hands. He stressed the importance of implementing controls and global cooperation to prevent misuse by non-state actors and militants.
Telr has secured a Retail Payment Services License from the Central Bank of the UAE, enabling it to expand merchant acquiring and payment aggregation solutions within the UAE. This achievement strengthens Telr’s position as a leader in digital payments, providing secure and innovative solutions for businesses across the MENA region.
A recent report reveals that while 94% of UAE students use AI tools for studying, many face stress due to concerns about incorrect information, plagiarism, and data security. With a focus on AI literacy and ethical use, schools aim to reduce anxiety and ensure equitable access to these tools for all students.
Apple Pay is expanding in the UAE and Qatar by adding support for new card networks, including UAE’s Jaywan and Qatar’s Himyan. This will allow more customers in both countries to use Apple Pay for secure mobile transactions, enhancing the service’s reach and accessibility in the region.
Virgin Mobile UAE has introduced electric motorcycles for its delivery riders in collaboration with Axiom Telecom, offering an eco-friendly alternative that supports the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030. The initiative aims to reduce emissions, enhance sustainability in operations, and contribute to Dubai’s environmental goals while providing a smart transportation solution.
Arab Financial Services (AFS) has partnered with Ternoa to launch Athar, a decentralized payment network using stablecoins. The initiative aims to simplify crypto payments for everyday transactions in the UAE, enhancing the adoption of digital payments and bridging traditional finance with decentralized finance, paving the way for a digital payment ecosystem.
du has deployed its 5G-Advanced network, achieving 10.56 Gbps speeds and ultra-low latency, setting a new standard for telecommunications in the UAE. This breakthrough will support data-intensive applications, smart city infrastructure, and IoT deployments, further advancing the UAE’s digital transformation and global leadership in technology innovation.
Space42 has partnered with FADA to enhance the UAE’s Earth Observation capabilities. The AED 378 million ($102.91 million) collaboration will leverage Space42’s SAR satellite data to improve national operational efficiency and decision-making. This partnership aims to advance geospatial analytics and strengthen the UAE’s position in space technology.
du has introduced cryptocurrency as a new payment option, allowing customers to pay their bills using digital currencies. In addition to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and debit/credit cards, this new feature marks du’s commitment to integrating innovative digital payment solutions into its services.
du has partnered with PEACE Cable to extend the PEACE Cable System into the UAE, enhancing global connectivity and digital infrastructure. This partnership will provide high-speed, secure connections, benefiting du’s Wholesale and Enterprise customers. The extension is expected to be operational by the second half of 2026, supporting the UAE’s digital vision.
