Oracle and xAI have announced a partnership that will bring xAI’s Grok models to Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), enabling enterprise customers to deploy the advanced generative AI models via OCI’s Generative AI service.

The integration allows businesses to harness Grok’s capabilities, ranging from content creation and research to complex business process automation, using Oracle’s high-performance, scalable AI infrastructure. xAI will also use OCI to train and run inferencing for its next-generation Grok models, including the recently launched Grok 3.

“Grok 3 represents a leap forward in AI capabilities, and Oracle’s advanced data platform will accelerate its impact on enterprises,” said Jimmy Ba, co-founder of xAI. “This collaboration between xAI and Oracle is set to redefine enterprise-grade AI.”

Grok 3 supported by supported by OCI’s enterprise-grade infrastructure

Founded in 2023, xAI has emerged as a leading player in artificial intelligence, with Grok 3 demonstrating strong performance in reasoning, mathematics, coding, and cross-domain understanding. The models are trained using large-scale reinforcement learning and are supported by OCI’s enterprise-grade infrastructure, which prioritises data governance, management, and zero data retention processing for enhanced security.

“By bringing xAI’s cutting-edge Grok models to our customers, we are expanding the possibilities of AI in the enterprise,” said Greg Pavlik, EVP of AI and Data Management Services at Oracle Cloud Infrastructure. “This partnership underscores our commitment to offering organisations greater flexibility and access to the most advanced AI technologies.”

Oracle’s AI infrastructure — including bare metal GPU instances — supports a broad range of demanding AI workloads such as generative AI, computer vision, and recommendation engines. Thousands of enterprises are already deploying Oracle’s AI offerings to drive innovation and boost productivity.

Telecom provider Windstream is among the early adopters exploring xAI’s multimodal models via OCI to improve operational workflows. “We think there could be real advantages to leveraging Grok models via OCI Generative AI service, integrating language comprehension and reasoning to propose meaningful actions,” said Kaushik Bhanderi, SVP at Windstream.

The announcement further strengthens Oracle’s AI ecosystem and expands xAI’s reach into enterprise applications through a secure, scalable platform.

Versuni, a global leader in domestic appliances, is dedicated to transforming houses into homes through innovative, sustainable, and consumer-centric products. It develops, manufactures, and markets Philips-branded home appliances under a trademark license from Royal Philips.

Carrying forward Philips’ 130-year legacy through innovation, Versuni brings trusted, high-quality solutions tailored to the evolving needs of consumers. The company’s scale is significant, operating in over 100 countries with more than 6,000 employees, with global sales exceeding EUR3bn.

This formidable market presence is supported by a diverse portfolio covering kitchen appliances, coffee machines, garment care, floor care and air care—featuring globally recognised and beloved brands, including Philips, Saeco, Senseo, Gaggia, L’OR, Preethi, and Philips Walita.

For the MENA region, Philips stands as the main brand, anchoring Versuni’s very strong geographical footprint. The company holds a powerful position in the small domestic appliances market across MENA, attributed to its wide array of product categories that effectively cater to diverse consumer needs.

This regional focus underscores Versuni’s commitment to understanding and serving local markets—a commitment that Milena Elmasoglu, Regional President of the Middle East, Turkey and Africa Region at Versuni, continues to champion across MENA.

At its core, Versuni’s purpose is to elevate the home experience, believing that a home is more than just a physical space—it’s a hub of comfort, wellbeing, and personal expression. This vision drives the creation of smart, sustainable, and beautifully engineered appliances designed to enhance daily life.

Versuni’s innovation is underscored by its ownership of over 900 patents across its product categories. Sustainability is intrinsically woven into Versuni’s operations. Versuni is actively committed to reducing its environmental footprint, including efforts to incorporate more recycled materials into its products and developing circular business models that champion repair and reuse.

This dedication extends to sustainable packaging solutions, utilising 100 per cent recycled and 100 per cent recyclable paper.

Beyond product design, Versuni emphasises supply chain responsibility, partnering with suppliers who uphold high standards for working environments and employee welfare.

Versuni’s focus on consumer needs and innovation, supported by a strong commitment to sustainability, strengthens its position as a forward-thinking and iconic company in the MENA region.

As Europe accelerates its green transition, the European Commission has laid out an ambitious roadmap that positions nuclear energy as a central pillar of its long-term decarbonisation strategy.

According to the latest Nuclear Illustrative Programme (PINC) released by the commission, the European Union (EU) will require EUR241bn in nuclear investments by 2050 to meet its energy and climate commitments under the REPowerEU Plan and the Clean Industrial Deal.

The report underscores a critical message: nuclear power is not fading — it’s evolving. While public opinion and national energy policies remain divided, the EU’s projections signal a net increase in nuclear capacity, from 98GW today to 109 GW by 2050, with an upper-range scenario anticipating up to 144GW.

Nuclear energy a bedrock

Currently accounting for 23 per cent of the EU’s electricity mix, nuclear energy remains a bedrock of low-carbon power generation.

“To truly deliver the clean energy transition, we need all zero- and low-carbon energy solutions. Nuclear energy has a role to play in building a resilient and cleaner energy system. Ensuring the necessary framework conditions will allow the EU to keep its industrial leadership in this sector while also upholding the highest safety standards and responsible management of radioactive waste,” said Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, in a statement.

Yet, the landscape is fragmented: countries like Germany and Belgium are phasing out nuclear, while others — such as France, Hungary, and Finland — are doubling down on next-generation reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs).

The PINC report acknowledges this diversity but calls for greater alignment and infrastructure investment to realise the collective benefits of nuclear.

EU aims to be decarbonised by 2040

Looking ahead, over 90 per cent of Europe’s electricity is expected to be decarbonised by 2040. Achieving this milestone, the commission argues, will require nuclear to complement intermittent renewables like wind and solar by offering stable baseload power.

As energy demand rises with the electrification of transport, heating, and industry, the resilience of nuclear becomes even more vital.

However, the scale of investment required is daunting. To bridge the funding gap, the commission urges a blended financing model that leverages both public and private capital, coupled with risk-mitigation mechanisms to improve investor confidence.

These could include loan guarantees, state aid frameworks, and EU-backed financial instruments tailored to large-scale nuclear projects.

While the debate over nuclear’s role in a clean energy future continues, the EU’s latest projections make one thing clear: without nuclear, Europe’s path to net zero will be longer, costlier, and less secure.

As the bloc confronts geopolitical instability, energy price volatility, and climate urgency, the commission’s blueprint stakes a bold claim: a decarbonised Europe will be part nuclear-powered — or not at all.

Read: EU to remove UAE from AML/CFT ‘high-risk’ list, adds Algeria, Lebanon

Adobe has extended its leadership in creative ideation with a major expansion of Adobe Firefly – its destination for AI-assisted content ideation, creation, and production – by bringing Firefly’s powerful image and video generation tools to phones.

The newly launched Firefly iOS and Android app gives creators the freedom to explore ideas and generate or edit images and videos using AI, anytime and anywhere.

Whether starting from scratch or refining content on the go, creators can now experience Firefly as a standalone mobile or web app, with seamless syncing to Adobe Creative Cloud applications, ensuring uninterrupted project continuity from ideation to production.

Also introduced in this expansion is Firefly Boards, now available in public beta on the web. This AI-first moodboarding surface is transforming how creative teams collaborate on concepts.

With the addition of video capabilities, Firefly Boards allows professionals to explore, edit, and iterate across media types using AI-powered tools in a collaborative environment.

Read: Liquid Glass to iOS 26: Apple’s WWDC 2025 previews new interface, AI, design overhaul

Adobe expands Firefly generative AI ecosystem

Adobe has also significantly expanded its Firefly generative AI ecosystem, integrating models from new partners including Ideogram, Luma AI, Pika, and Runway. These come in addition to existing models from OpenAI, Google, and Black Forest Labs.

The new partner models are initially launching in Firefly Boards and will soon become accessible across the Firefly app, giving creators unprecedented flexibility to work with diverse aesthetic styles and media formats.

The goal is to offer creators a comprehensive, AI-powered toolkit — on mobile and web — that supports everything from early ideation to final production.

And for those wondering about transparency in AI-generated content – Adobe continues to embed Content Credentials into every asset, clearly identifying which models and tools were used.

It’s a move toward trust and accountability in an increasingly AI-driven creative world.

Since its launch, Firefly has generated more than 24 billion assets, and interest continues to climb. Adobe has seen traffic and paid subscriptions to Firefly rise by 30 per cent quarter over quarter, signalling a growing appetite for AI-powered tools that still prioritise creative control.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce to acquire 100 Trent XWB-97 engines for its future fleet of 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The agreement was announced during the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget and marks a major milestone in the airline’s global expansion strategy.

Read-Riyadh Air signs deal for 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft at Paris Air Show

The Trent XWB-97, developed specifically for the Airbus A350-1000, is recognised as the most efficient large aircraft engine in service. It delivers up to 97,000 pounds of thrust and is expected to significantly boost Riyadh Air’s long-haul capabilities, a Saudi Press Agency report said.

With operations set to begin later this year, Riyadh Air plans to establish a global network connecting the Saudi capital to more than 100 destinations by 2030. The airline ultimately aims to operate 182 aircraft across three models.

Strategic leap in aviation ambitions

Equipped with the Trent XWB-97 engines, the A350-1000s will enable Riyadh Air to link Riyadh to major global cities, reinforcing its position as a key international aviation hub among G20 nations.

“This deal demonstrates our commitment to operational excellence and cutting-edge technology,” the airline said in a statement. “It brings us closer to redefining air travel through an elevated, seamless passenger experience.”

Technology-driven travel with Ink Innovation

In a separate move aimed at enhancing its digital capabilities, Riyadh Air announced a partnership in May with travel technology firm Ink Innovation. The collaboration centers on implementing a next-generation delivery management system aligned with the IATA Modern Airline Retailing (MAR) model.

The platform gives travelers full control over their journeys—allowing changes mid-trip, real-time service upgrades, and access to third-party content. This modular approach replaces outdated booking systems and is designed to meet the evolving expectations of modern passengers.

“Ink is a key partner to Riyadh Air,” said CEO Tony Douglas. “As a like-minded tech innovator, they’re helping us shape a digital-first travel experience starting from the very first touchpoint.”

Redefining air travel for a digital future

With strategic global partnerships and a focus on advanced aviation technologies, Riyadh Air is positioning itself as a digitally native airline. Its combined efforts with Rolls-Royce and Ink Innovation highlight a forward-thinking approach to air travel aimed at convenience, sustainability, and global connectivity.