Dubai announce a new AI week towards the end of last week. Meanwhile, on Sunday SCAI and SMC announced a new adtech joint venture. And Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence has introduced a new Master’s in Applied AI, with both full-time and part-time study options, making it possible for working professionals to apply.
#UAE #events – A new Dubai AI Week has been announced by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE. The week-long AI programme will run from April 21-25, 2025, will showcase AI advances and promote global collaboration. Featuring the Dubai AI Festival and Machines Can See, the event aims to address real-world challenges through a variety of events and programmes. (Middle East AI News)
#UAE #events – Dubai Future Foundation‘s AI Connect brought together 60 startups, entrepreneurs, and government entities to boost AI adoption in government services. The event was organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence. (Zawya)
#Saudi #Adtech – Saudi’s SCAI and SMC are launching an adtech joint venture, combining AI expertise and media skills. The initiative aims to streamline advertising and optimise monetisation for digital platforms. (Zawya)
#UAE #highereducation – Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) introduced a Masters in Applied Artificial Intelligence for 2025. Designed for professionals, it offers full-time and part-time options to meet government and enterprise AI needs. (Middle East AI News)
#Kuwait #highereducation – Kuwait University will launch its first data science and AI programme in the 2025 academic year. The initiative underscores the institution’s commitment to advancing technology education in the region. (Arab Times)
#Oman #education– Khalid Mubarak AlJabri from Sultan Qaboos University won first place in the AI category of the ‘My Thesis in 1000 Words’ competition. Saudi researchers Alaae Annoubi and Machaiil Allhibi secured second and third positions. (Barlaman Today)
#UAE #innovation – Since 2019, the UAE National Experts Program has empowered 86 Emiratis to lead sector transformations. Participants develop innovative projects aligned with national priorities, including AI and advanced technologies. (Zawya)
#Egypt #smartcities – MIDAR has confrimed that $7 billion has been invested in Mostakbal City, home to 500,000 residents. The smart city east of Cairo involves over 20 developers and aims to attract $14 billion in investments. (Daily News Egypt)
#Kuwait #trafficsafety – Kuwait’s AI-powered traffic cameras detected 4,000 violations in four days. Offences included seatbelt and mobile phone violations. The system aims to improve road safety through AI technology. (Arab Times)
#Saudi #robotics – NEOM and Samsung C&T Corp. will invest $350 million to automate construction in Saudi Arabia. The partnership aims to cut labour by 80% and costs by 40%, using robotic rebar cage assembly to improve efficiency and safety. (Arab News)
#Bahrain #policy– Bahrain and Algeria are jointly developing an Arab framework to regulate AI and digital technologies. Discussions at the 2024 UN Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh focused on unified standards for AI development and use. (SAMENA Council)
#Saudi #cloud – Snowflake has established a regional HQ in Riyadh, complying with Saudi Arabia’s data residency rules. The service is available through Google Cloud‘s Dammam region, supporting local data sovereignty. (Zawya)
#UAE #investment– MGX, Abu Dhabi’s global tech investment company, held its final board meeting for 2024, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the MGX Board of Directors,. The company, launched in March, aims to establish a $100 billion fund to drive global technology investments. (WAM)
#UAE #Business – A Cisco survey reveals 43% of UAE partners expect AI investments to grow by 75%+ in five years. Additionally, 26% predict AI will drive 76-100% of their revenue during the same period. (Zawya)
