Dubai has appointed 22 Chief AI Officers across government entities to lead AI-enabled government operations, as part of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (DUB.AI), aiming to establish the emirate as a global leader in AI innovation.
Telecommunications subscriptions in the UAE rose to 27.09 million by March’s end, with mobile subscriptions at 78.1%, active mobile users at 21.15 million, and broadband internet and fixed-line services also seeing significant growth.
Digital Dubai received widespread attention at Gitex Africa 2024 in Marrakech, showcasing its vision of a digital city. The event highlighted Emirati-Moroccan relations, investment opportunities, and discussions on AI, cybersecurity, and education, with notable participation from global and African delegates.
RIDEZ has launched a comprehensive mobile app and AI-powered IoT device, RIDEZ PLUS, to support cyclists in the UAE. The app offers features like cycling shop listings, roadside assistance, and trainer searches, while RIDEZ PLUS ensures safety with real-time accident detection and SOS alerts, enhancing the cycling experience for all.
Dubai’s AI Retreat, hosted at the Museum of the Future on June 11, will gather over 1,000 AI experts to discuss AI adoption strategies. Organized under the DUB.AI initiative, the event aims to cement Dubai as a global AI hub, enhance the digital economy, and support Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33 with significant economic contributions.
HSBC has launched Omni Collect, a new e-commerce digital payment platform in the UAE, in partnership with Saudi-based FinTech Geidea. Omni Collect allows HSBC business clients to access card receivables and gain insights into collections data, simplifying payment processes across multiple channels and enhancing business decision-making.
At GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori of Digital Dubai emphasized the shared ambition of Morocco and the UAE to promote the knowledge economy. The event, organized by Morocco’s Ministry of Digital Transition and KAOUN International, features 15,000 exhibitors and 800 startups, aiming to boost Africa’s innovation and entrepreneurial economy.
The TDRA has released an updated Telecommunications Network Box Specification Manual, reducing costs and space for telecom infrastructure by up to 50%. The manual supports UAE’s smart city initiatives and maintains its global leadership in FTTH. It benefits telecom operators, developers, and users by standardizing specifications and enhancing service delivery.
World Wide Technology (WWT) and NXT Global have partnered to establish the UAE’s first AI integration center in Masdar City. The facility aims to position the UAE as a global leader and exporter of AI infrastructure, enhancing the nation’s technological capabilities and supporting sustainable development and innovation.
MBRIF and AzurX have partnered to boost innovation in the space and strategic technologies sector. This collaboration aims to attract high-potential space startups to the UAE, providing them with resources, mentorship, and support through a customized accelerator programme, aligning with the UAE National Innovation Strategy and Oman Vision 2040.
