OpenAI is expanding its efforts to convince global governments to build more data centers and encourage greater usage of artificial intelligence in areas such as education, health and disaster preparedness.

The initiative – called OpenAI for Countries – will expand the reach of its products and help close the gap between countries with broad access to AI technology and nations that do not yet have the capacity, the company said.

OpenAI also hopes to encourage deeper usage of its tools, adding that AI systems are capable of more complex tasks than many people realize.

“Most countries are still operating far short of what today’s AI systems make possible,” the company said in a report shared with Reuters.

OpenAI started the international initiative last year and appointed former British finance minister George Osborne to oversee the project in December. Osborne and Chris Lehane, OpenAI chief global affairs officer, are pitching government officials on the project this week in Davos.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy that has helped cement ChatGPT creator OpenAI at the vanguard of the modern AI boom. The company was most recently worth $500 billion and is exploring a public offering that could be worth as much as $1 trillion.

Eleven countries have signed up for OpenAI for Countries. Each deal is structured differently.

Estonia, for example, is embedding OpenAI’s education tool, ChatGPT Edu, into secondary schools across the country. In Norway and the United Arab Emirates, OpenAI is working with other companies to build data centers and become their first customer.

On Wednesday, OpenAI executives said they were hoping to work with governments in other areas, like disaster planning. In South Korea, OpenAI is exploring a deal with the government’s water authority to build a real-time, water-disaster warning and defense system against water problems driven by climate change.

In its report, OpenAI said its typical “power user” – or those in the 95th percentile – reaches for OpenAI’s advanced reasoning capabilities seven times more often than a typical user. There are also big gaps within countries.

For example, in Singapore, which has broad access to AI tools, people send more than three times more messages about coding than average, the report said.

Read: OpenAI rolls out GPT-5.2 in strategic response to AI competition

Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the Gulf state’s sovereign wealth fund, and Goldman Sachs Asset Management have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand their strategic partnership with a target of up to $25bn in investments, QIA said on Tuesday.

Under the agreement, QIA aims to commit a combined total of $25bn to funds managed by Goldman Sachs Asset Management and related co-investment opportunities.

The sovereign fund will act as an anchor investor in a range of Goldman Sachs’ flagship and innovative strategies.

QIA said it will support Goldman Sachs across existing business areas and new growth opportunities, including direct investments.

The two institutions also plan to enhance cooperation on strategic advisory services, capital formation, mergers and acquisitions, and the development of Qatar’s economy and capital markets.

QIA chief executive Mohammed Saif Al Sowaidi said the deal builds on a longstanding relationship and provides access to investment opportunities in sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, digital infrastructure and private credit.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said the expanded partnership reinforces Doha’s position as a regional financial hub and creates opportunities to deepen engagement with global partners.

Goldman Sachs to increase workforce in Doha

As part of the arrangement, Goldman Sachs plans to grow its headcount in Doha, positioning the office as a strategic regional hub for asset management.

The agreement also envisages cooperation on initiatives to support national development objectives and attract foreign direct investment.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management oversees a broad portfolio of assets, including private equity, credit, infrastructure and real estate, and QIA is among the largest sovereign wealth funds globally.

Emirates Airline has signed an agreement with Dubai Investments Park (DIP) to acquire land for a new, purpose-built Cabin Crew Village, representing a multi-billion-dirham investment aimed at supporting the airline’s long-term growth and workforce needs.

The mixed-use residential development will accommodate up to 12,000 cabin crew members and is being delivered through a long-term lease arrangement. Groundbreaking is scheduled for Q2 2026, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2029.

The agreement was signed by Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Emirates’ chief procurement & facilities officer, and Khalid Bin Kalban, vice chairman and CEO of Dubai Investments, in the presence of Adel Al Redha, Emirates’ deputy president and chief operating officer; Abdulaziz Bin Yagub Al Serkal, CEO of Glass LLC, Dubai Investments; Omar Al Mesmar, general manager of Dubai Investments Park; along with senior executives from both organisations.

Purpose-built residential community

The Cabin Crew Village will comprise 20 contemporary residential buildings, each rising 19 floors, offering a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments designed specifically to support crew comfort, convenience and lifestyle needs.

Ali Mubarak Al Soori, Emirates’ chief procurement & facilities officer, said: “Our cabin crew are central to the experience Emirates delivers to customers. This investment is part of our broader commitment to supporting their wellbeing by offering living spaces designed around their needs and lifestyles. The Cabin Crew Village will provide everything our crew need within a single, thoughtfully planned development, with convenient access to everyday essentials, leisure facilities and communal spaces that foster a strong sense of community. The Cabin Crew Village also represents a strategic investment in Emirates’ future, supporting our transition plans to Al Maktoum International and continued growth in the years ahead.”

Lifestyle-focused amenities

Designed as a complete lifestyle destination, the development will feature a central multi-purpose hub with retail outlets, restaurants and food concepts, alongside fitness facilities, clinics, public spaces and landscaped parks.

Residents will be encouraged to embrace an active outdoor lifestyle, supported by walking trails, resort-style swimming pools, green spaces and landscaped grounds integrated throughout the community. Each residential building will also include dedicated on-site facilities to enhance convenience and accessibility.

Strategic location and long-term planning

Strategically positioned equidistant between Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central, the Cabin Crew Village supports Emirates’ long-term operational strategy, including its planned transition to Al Maktoum International Airport.

Omar Al Mesmar, general manager of Dubai Investments Park, said: “Dubai Investments Park has evolved into a destination where global enterprises can bring ambitious projects to life within a fully integrated and future-ready environment. DIP’s collaboration with Emirates reflects the confidence that leading organisations place in its infrastructure and regulatory ecosystem and further reinforces its position as a hub for visionary investment. This development will enrich DIP’s dynamic community, supporting Dubai’s continued rise as a global centre for business and opportunity. DIP remains committed to enabling partnerships that create meaningful, long-term value for the emirate.”

The project further reinforces Dubai’s positioning as a global aviation and business hub, while underscoring Emirates’ continued investment in people, infrastructure and long-term operational resilience.

Read: Emirates carries 55.6 million passengers in 2025

Gold prices surged to a record above $4,800 per ounce on Wednesday, as investors sought the metal as a safe haven following a broad selloff in US assets amid heightened tensions between the US and NATO over Greenland.

Spot gold climbed 2.6 per cent to $4,885.11 per ounce by 0633 GMT, after scaling a record $4,887.82 earlier in the session. US gold futures for February delivery climbed 2.6 per cent to $4,888.20 per ounce.

Read more-Gold, silver hit record highs after Trump threatens tariffs on Europe over Greenland

“It’s the loss of trust in the US caused by Trump’s moves over the weekend to tariff European countries and increase coercion in trying to take Greenland. (The move in gold) reflects fears about global geopolitical (tensions),” said Kyle Rodda, a senior market analyst at Capital.com.

On Tuesday, Trump said there was “no going back” on his goal to control Greenland, refusing to rule out taking the Arctic island by force and lashing out at NATO allies.

He later said, “we will work something out where NATO is going to be very happy and where we’re going to be very happy.”

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe would not give in to bullies or be intimidated, in a scathing criticism of Trump’s threat of steep tariffs at Davos.

“I think crossing $4,800 just reinforces that people don’t want to sell gold before $5,000. It’s a combination of the traditional supporters for gold, which is rising debt, a weakening dollar and geopolitical uncertainty,” said Nicholas Frappell, global head of institutional markets at ABC Refinery.

The dollar index languished at a near one-month low after White House threats over Greenland triggered a broad selloff in US assets, from the currency to Wall Street stocks and Treasury bonds.

Dubai Police has officially launched the second generation of its website and smart application, alongside a dedicated Lawyers Platform, which introduces seven specialised digital legal services aimed at simplifying procedures, accelerating transactions, and improving the customer experience for lawyers and legal consultants.

The announcement was made at a press conference held at the Dubai Police Officers Club in Al Jaddaf, according to a report by Dubai Media. Senior officials, legal professionals, and members of the media were in attendance, highlighting the strategic importance of the initiative.

Read more-From smart patrols to digital fines: How Dubai Police is stepping up the road safety game

Among the notable attendees were Dr major general Ahmad Zaal Bin Krishan Almuhairi, deputy commander-in-chief for Financial and Administrative Sector Affairs, and major general Hareb Al Shamsi, deputy commander-in-chief for Criminal Sector Affairs. The event also included assistant commanders-in-chief, senior officers, legal consultants, and journalists.

Minimising in-person visits for lawyers

Brigadier Majed Al Suwaidi, director of the General Department of Police Stations, described the Lawyers Platform as a “qualitative shift” in service delivery for legal professionals. By enabling electronic submission of requests and procedures, the platform reduces reliance on in-person visits to police stations, improving operational efficiency.

Lawyers can now submit documents, track requests, and manage case-related processes online, while police stations can monitor workflows and statuses in real time. Brigadier Al Suwaidi highlighted that this reduces pressure on police resources, allowing personnel to focus on critical security and community responsibilities.

“The platform enhances communication with justice partners, supports a secure digital environment, and ensures transparency in all interactions,” he said.

Smart, integrated customer experience

Hessa Al Balooshi, director of Smart Applications at the General Department of Artificial Intelligence, described the upgraded system as a unified digital platform across the website and mobile app, providing a seamless experience with continuous data flow.

The platform offers easy access to services, notifications, request tracking, and reports from a central hub. It also features smart service accelerators that analyse user behavior and language patterns to deliver personalized, efficient services.

Through the Services Portal and Customer 360 Profile, users can access a custom dashboard displaying all requests, complaints, reports, and suggestions, with integrated notifications and alerts for transparency and accountability.

Dedicated Lawyers Workspaces allow legal professionals to manage cases, powers of attorney, and client requests securely through digital identity authentication, eliminating the need to visit police stations physically.

An integrated request and case management system tracks requests, circulars, and travel bans, providing clear timelines and continuous updates via email, SMS, and in-platform notifications.

The platform also includes Smart Advisor Dubai Police AIX, an interactive digital guide that offers accurate guidance on services, reports, and enquiries, providing a more advanced experience than traditional chat systems.

7 specialised digital legal services

The Lawyers Platform provides seven key digital legal services, including:

• Linking powers of attorney to officially represent clients in registered cases
• Electronic signing of powers of attorney in a secure digital format
• Good Conduct Search Certificates to support lifting circulars after legal and financial settlement
• Filing criminal complaints on behalf of clients after identity verification and agency linkage
• Issuance of To Whom It May Concern certificates related to specific cases or procedures
• Permits for virtual visits with detainees or inmates held in Dubai
• Enquiries about circulars and travel bans, with direct digital payment and case closure

The launch reflects Dubai Police’s commitment to digital transformation, efficiency, and innovation in public service delivery.

Driving sustainable development in digital services

Major general Dr Saleh Abdullah Murad, assistant commander-in-chief for Administrative Affairs and chairman of the Customer Happiness Council at Dubai Police, emphasised that the launch aligns with the directives of lieutenant general Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, commander-in-chief of Dubai Police.

“Under his guidance, Dubai Police remains committed to continuously developing technical systems that ensure fast and flexible access to security, traffic, community, and criminal services,” Major General Murad said.

He added that the development supports strategic goals, enhances community happiness, strengthens security, and builds innovative, adaptable capabilities that keep pace with technological change.

Focusing on the new Lawyers Platform, major general Murad highlighted that the initiative empowers legal professionals to complete procedures efficiently through secure, integrated digital channels. The platform aligns with Dubai’s digital transformation and zero-bureaucracy agenda, offering proactive services rooted in innovation and data science.

“The second generation of our website and application integrates advanced artificial intelligence technologies, not only speeding up procedures but also redesigning the customer journey to be simpler, more accurate, and more reliable,” he noted.

Artificial Intelligence adds real value

Major General Khalid Nasser Al Razooqi, director of the General Department of Artificial Intelligence, described AI as a core pillar in modern policing systems.

He explained that Dubai Police’s digital strategy transforms data and technologies into effective tools for decision-making, service efficiency, and integrated systems.

The upgraded website and application now operate in seven United Nations official languages and can support over 268 languages through AI-driven translation, he added. The seven legal digital services were developed within approved legal frameworks, ensuring regulatory compliance.

“This initiative reflects Dubai Police’s proactive approach to creating a digital ecosystem capable of continuous learning and improvement, enhancing reliability, accuracy, and integration with relevant entities,” Major General Al Razooqi said.

He also stressed that the platform advances Dubai Police’s zero-bureaucracy strategy by reducing traditional procedures, unifying service channels, and offering interconnected services that save time and effort. “Innovation remains a strategic tool for building trust, upholding the rule of law, and delivering tangible value to society,” he added.