Google has begun rolling out its most advanced AI-powered search experience, dubbed “AI Mode,” across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The feature, launching initially in English, will be available to all users gradually over the next few days.

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AI Mode represents a significant leap in search capabilities, integrating multimodal input, advanced reasoning, and follow-up questioning to tackle complex queries more efficiently than ever before. The feature will be accessible as a dedicated tab on the Google Search results page and within the Google app on Android and iOS devices.

“We’re excited to bring AI Mode to more users across MENA, starting with English,” Google said in a statement. “This is our most powerful search experience yet, and we’re looking forward to expanding it to more languages and regions soon.”

A new era of AI-powered search

AI Mode is built on a custom version of Google’s Gemini 2.5 model, enabling users to submit more nuanced and layered queries that would traditionally require multiple searches. Google says the new tool is ideal for tackling exploratory or complex topics, from trip planning and product comparisons to in-depth how-to guides.

According to the company, early adopters are already posing significantly longer queries, often double or triple the length of standard search inputs.

An example query might be: “I want to learn more about the new Seven Wonders of the World. What’s the significance of each, and where are they located?” AI Mode processes this type of question by breaking it into subtopics using what Google calls its “query fan-out” technique. This allows the system to run multiple simultaneous searches, delivering more comprehensive, relevant results than a traditional search.

Multimodal functionality: Beyond just text

AI Mode introduces multimodal capabilities, allowing users to ask questions through text, voice, or images. By tapping the microphone icon, users can speak their query or upload photos directly into the search bar.

This new flexibility is intended to make search more intuitive and accessible for everyone, regardless of how they prefer to interact with technology.

“The future of search is multimodal,” Google said. “AI Mode is designed to understand input from different formats and provide rich, meaningful responses.”

Prioritising high-quality information

As Google continues to incorporate artificial intelligence into its core search infrastructure, the company says it’s committed to maintaining high standards of information quality and source diversity. The new system builds upon Google’s existing ranking models and is designed to surface content from a wide range of reputable sources.

This commitment was also evident in May when Google launched AI Overviews, another AI-powered tool that summarises complex information directly in the search interface. According to Google, AI Overviews have led users to explore a broader range of websites, often resulting in longer, more meaningful visits.

AI Mode also adapts dynamically based on confidence levels. If the system is not sufficiently confident in the AI-generated response, it defaults to a standard web search result. “We aim to show an AI-powered response as much as possible, but in cases where confidence is low, we prioritise traditional results,” the company stated.

Looking ahead

While Google acknowledges that AI Mode is still in its early stages, it emphasised ongoing efforts to refine the feature. “We won’t always get it right,” the company admitted. “But we are committed to continuous improvement and to helping users get the most out of the web.”

As AI Mode begins its rollout across the MENA region, it marks a significant step forward in how users can interact with and benefit from artificial intelligence in everyday search experiences.

In the latest Opensignal Mobile Network Experience Report (2025), e& UAE outperformed competitors across nearly every category, winning 12 out of 13 national awards, including “Overall Experience”, “5G Speed”, “Coverage” and “Consistent Quality”.

The flagship telco arms of e& group scored 66 per cent in Consistent Quality, significantly ahead of its rival du by 12.4 percentage points. This metric reflects e&’s ability to deliver seamless performance for data-heavy activities like high-definition video calls and fast uploads.

e& also secured 879 points for Reliability Experience (on a scale of 100 to 1000), underscoring the network’s strength in delivering dependable service for essential mobile tasks.

While du managed to claim a single win in Availability, the difference between both operators remained minimal, with scores above 99 per cent.

World record for 5G uplink: A global first

Taking innovation to new heights, e& UAE set a world record by reaching 600Mbps uplink speed on a live 5G network. According to a WAM report, this breakthrough was achieved using advanced uplink 3Tx technology and FR1 band aggregation at 2100MHz and C-band.

“This isn’t just a technological breakthrough, it’s a launchpad for businesses and individuals to reshape the digital world, cementing the UAE as a global tech leader,” said Abdulrahman Al Humaidan, vice president of Fixed Access Network at e& UAE.

The record paves the way for uplink-heavy applications in sectors such as smart manufacturing, AI logistics, and critical communications, marking a major leap toward 5G-Advanced adoption.

Enterprise-grade 5G slicing debuts in UAE

In May 2025, e& UAE launched the region’s first 5G network slicing solution for enterprise customers. The innovation delivers ultra-reliable, tailored connectivity for industries ranging from manufacturing to energy and government services.

Designed to align with the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” digital vision, this slicing solution enables low-latency, high-priority data streams specific to business needs.

The launch follows e&’s evolution from 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) in 2019 to 5G Standalone (SA) in 2023, reflecting a sustained commitment to pushing telecom boundaries.

Ericsson deal to expand 5G RAN

To expand its capabilities, e& UAE signed a three-year agreement with Ericsson to enhance its 5G radio access network (RAN). The partnership aims to grow network capacity, extend 5G coverage, and prepare for future innovations such as 5G-Advanced.

Testing is already underway in the 600MHz and 6GHz bands. The 600MHz band has demonstrated superior long-range performance, up to 6km, while the higher band has achieved download speeds reaching 10Gbps, offering a glimpse into the future of ultra-fast mobile connectivity.

These technological advances are taking place against the backdrop of the UAE’s growing international recognition for its digital transformation strategy.

According to the United Nations E-Government Survey 2024, the UAE ranked first globally in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index, achieving a perfect score of 100 per cent. The ranking confirms the strength and reach of the country’s digital networks.

A WAM report emphasised that the UAE’s strategy puts people at the center, both as the beneficiaries and the drivers of digital transformation, helping secure top positions in global indices.

du also moves forward with 5G-Advanced

While e& leads the race, du is also progressing in 5G. It recently launched 5G-Advanced on its commercial network using 2.6GHz and 6GHz spectrum, achieving similar peak download speeds in some regions.

Mid-band frequencies in the 2.6GHz to 6GHz range are becoming the core of 5G across the GCC. With the shutdown of 2G networks at the end of 2023, operators like e& and du are reallocating spectrum to expand 5G coverage, particularly in underserved rural areas, enhancing access and lowering latency.

From world records to national awards and enterprise solutions, e& UAE is powering the country’s evolution into a global digital leader. Its investments in 5G and emerging technologies are not only advancing telecom but also enabling new economic opportunities and societal benefits.

As the UAE accelerates toward its digital future, e& remains the engine behind the nation’s push for connectivity, competitiveness, and innovation at scale.

Abu Dhabi-based Sandstorm Comics has announced its official retail debut, making its titles available on the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center’s digital platform Kalima as well as at Kinokuniya stores across the UAE.

The move represents a significant milestone for the homegrown studio, which has rapidly established itself as a creative force in the regional comic book industry. The launch expands Sandstorm’s reach to both local and international audiences while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s growing cultural industries.

The retail debut introduces four titles under Sandstorm’s new children’s imprint, Little Storm: Solarblader Vol.1, Acro and The Cat, All Upon a Time, and The Foxes and the Dragon. Each title is produced by local and regional talent, reflecting the UAE’s creativity and storytelling traditions.

“Since the inception of Sandstorm Comics, our vision has been to bring locally produced comic books to life and make them accessible to everyone,” said Mo Abedin, Editor-in-Chief at Sandstorm Comics. “Today, that vision becomes a reality with our titles now available across the UAE’s largest bookstores, as well as online through Kalima website and mobile application. This marks a significant milestone for the UAE’s creative community, and we take great pride in sharing stories that reflect the richness and diversity of our region’s culture.”

The debut follows Sandstorm’s recent international showcases, including New York Comic Con 2024 and Middle East Film and Comic Con 2025. With new releases planned throughout the year, the company is positioning itself to scale globally while retaining its base in Abu Dhabi.

Supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Sandstorm Comics is closely aligned with the emirate’s strategy to strengthen its cultural and creative industries. By prioritising original intellectual properties and promoting regional talent, the studio is reshaping the way Middle Eastern stories are presented to global audiences.

For fans, Sandstorm Comics’ titles are now available at Kinokuniya stores across the UAE, through Kalima.ae, and via the Kalima mobile app.

Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has appointed Rico Picenoni as its global head of residential, a newly created role designed to strengthen the Group’s design, branding, and management of private homes. The move comes amid rising demand for mixed-use developments that combine hotel and residential offerings.

“The rise in mixed-use developments where we can offer hotel management and branded residence services in conjunction allows us to serve our clients more holistically,” said Bob van den Oord, CEO of Langham Hospitality Group. “It also enables consumers to not just experience our hospitality during their travels, but in the places they choose to call home.”

“Rico’s rare blend of branded residence and hotel operations experience makes him uniquely qualified to lead this key area of growth for the Group,” van den Oord added.

Picenoni joins LHG from Savills in London, where he led the branded residential consultancy team, overseeing advisory mandates across more than 50 countries with a combined development value exceeding $45bn. His career also includes senior roles at Accor, where he managed residential and extended-stay developments across the Middle East and Africa, along with project feasibility and assessment positions.

Earlier, he served as asset manager at Seven Tides Hospitality, overseeing residential properties operated by brands such as Minor Hotels Group and Mövenpick. He also gained operational experience with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in the United States and Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the UAE, providing him with valuable insight into the service foundations that support branded residences.

A graduate of Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, Picenoni also holds qualifications in real estate investments, asset management, and negotiations.

Reinforcing LHG’s growing focus on the Middle East, where it plans to open its first hotel in 2029, Picenoni will be permanently based in Dubai.

As Dubai strengthens its appeal to long-term residents, Wasl Group unveils new units aligned with the emirate’s housing strategy.

Dubai-based real estate developer Wasl Group has announced the launch of a new phase of its South Garden project, with a significant allocation for first-time home buyers. The release of residential units in Buildings D and E of the popular South Garden development supports the Dubai First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) program, a Dubai Media Office report said.

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This move represents a strategic alignment with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which aims to increase homeownership rates across the city. Wasl’s commitment reinforces its role as a key player in enabling more residents to enter the property market.

Strong demand expected following previous sellout

The new launch follows the rapid sellout of South Garden’s initial phase in 2024, when all units were snapped up within 48 hours. Buildings D and E offer a carefully curated mix of studios, and 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments in the heart of Wasl Gate, a freehold master community located in Jebel Ali.

Conveniently situated near Festival Plaza Mall and with direct access to the Dubai Metro, the development combines connectivity with tranquility. Amenities include a gated Zen Garden, underlining Wasl’s commitment to delivering peaceful, well-connected communities with long-term value for both residents and investors.

In collaboration with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Wasl is offering registered first-time buyers exclusive early access to the new units, along with incentives such as discounted pricing.

With a portion of units reserved for the general public, high demand is expected, especially from end-users. For first-time buyers, this represents a rare opportunity to purchase property in one of Dubai’s most promising freehold locations.

Developer builds on trust and purpose

“The fact that so many are choosing to buy their first home through Wasl speaks volumes,” said Mohamed Al Bahar, Director of Business Development at Wasl Group. “It reflects not only the strength of our communities, but also the trust we’ve built in offering quality, value, and opportunity in a competitive market.”

“With this launch, we’re reaffirming our role as a developer of purpose—supporting Dubai’s evolving housing needs while helping first-time buyers take a confident step onto the property ladder,” he added.