AI replicates key particle physics discoveries, say UAE researchers
Among the findings, the AI rediscovered core symmetries such as baryon number, isospin and charm, as well as the Eightfold Way, which groups particles into structured families
NYU Abu Dhabi researchers have shown AI can independently rediscover key particle physics principles. Trained on historical data, the system identified fundamental symmetries and patterns, mirroring decades of physics research leading to the Standard Model. This demonstrates AI's potential to accelerate scientific discovery by uncovering hidden physical laws and phenomena, potentially identifying new particles.
NYU Abu Dhabi researchers have demonstrated that artificial intelligence can independently rediscover key principles of particle physics, highlighting its potential to accelerate scientific discovery.
The study, published in the Journal of High Energy Physics (JHEP), shows that relatively simple AI models can identify patterns that took physicists decades to uncover during the development of the Standard Model — the theory describing the fundamental particles and forces of nature.
The research team — Aya Abdelhaq, Pellegrino Piantadosi and Fernando Quevedo — trained the AI system on historical experimental data from particle discoveries in the 1950s and 1960s. Without prior knowledge of the mathematical frameworks used by physicists, the system was able to identify underlying structures governing particle behaviour.
Among the findings, the AI rediscovered core symmetries such as baryon number, isospin and charm, as well as the Eightfold Way, which groups particles into structured families. It also reproduced Regge trajectories, which describe relationships between a particle’s mass and spin.
The results mirror decades of theoretical and experimental work that led to the development of the Standard Model, including breakthroughs such as the discovery of quarks — the fundamental building blocks of protons and neutrons.
“This study shows that AI can uncover deep physical laws directly from data, opening the door to discovering new particles and patterns that humans may have missed,” said Pellegrino Piantadosi, NYU Abu Dhabi postdoctoral associate and one of the paper’s authors.
The findings suggest that AI could play a growing role in scientific research by identifying hidden patterns and accelerating the discovery of new physical phenomena.
Tabby's survey reveals that AI influences purchasing decisions for nearly half of Saudi Arabian and UAE shoppers, although trust remains tentative. Digital channels, particularly social media, dominate product discovery. Flexible payment options are crucial; 70% avoid retailers lacking them. These insights aim to assist businesses navigating current regional challenges. The survey incorporates data from over 20,000 shoppers.
Nearly half of shoppers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are now using artificial intelligence to help decide what to buy, although most remain unsure about fully trusting it, according to a new survey by Tabby.
The financial services app said 43 per cent of respondents reported using AI for purchase decisions, while only 30 per cent said they fully trust the recommendations.
Another 43 per cent said they might trust them, suggesting shoppers are still weighing up how much confidence to place in the technology.
The findings come from Tabby’s third annual Ultimate Middle East Shopping Survey, which drew responses from more than 20,000 shoppers across both markets.
The data suggests AI adoption is rising fastest among younger shoppers. Tabby said 51.8 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 29 have used AI in their shopping experience. While willingness to experiment is high, trust appears conditional. Shoppers said they are most comfortable with AI when it helps compare products or speed up decisions, and pulls back when the rationale behind recommendations is unclear.
The report also highlights changes in how consumers discover products. Tabby said 77 per cent of discovery now happens through digital channels, even when the final purchase is made in stores. Social media is the top source of product discovery, followed by online browsing. By the time 68 per cent of shoppers enter a physical store, they already know what they plan to buy.
Flexible payments have also become a key factor in retailer choice. Seventy per cent of respondents said they avoid retailers that do not offer flexible payment options, and one in five said they walk away from stores that do not provide them. Tabby said this trend holds across all income levels.
Tabby findings can help retailers navigate this difficult time: Hosam Arab
Hosam Arab, CEO and co-founder of Tabby, said many businesses in the region are facing a difficult moment. “We wish we were sharing this at an easier moment for the region. Many of the businesses we work with are navigating a difficult period right now, trying to plan with limited visibility. If this research helps even some of them make better decisions in the months ahead, it feels worth sharing.”
Responses were collected in November 2025 across Saudi Arabia and the UAE, spanning six nationalities, four age groups and income brackets from low to super high. The survey covers product discovery, hybrid shopping, in-store behaviour, payments, AI use and financial confidence.
The buy now pay later platform, headquartered in Riyadh, operates in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait. It works with more than 40,000 brands, including SHEIN, Amazon, Adidas, IKEA, H&M, Samsung and Noon.
Hormuz traffic collapse: 181 ships recorded in March, majority Iranian-linked
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed, with Iranian-linked vessels making up nearly 70 per cent of the limited number of ships still transiting the route
Following US/Israeli strikes on Iran, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has drastically slowed. Lloyd's List data shows a drop from 138 daily transits to fewer than 10 in March 2026, with most vessels having Iranian links. This disruption, coupled with ongoing Red Sea issues, threatens global energy markets and supply chains, raising concerns about prolonged instability in vital maritime...
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a near standstill, with 181 vessels recorded passing through the waterway between March 1 and March 30, 2026.
This is according to data provided to Gulf Business by Lloyd’s List, one of the world’s oldest maritime intelligence publications, founded in 1734.
This latest data indicates that, on average, fewer than 10 ships per day were recorded as passing through the strait — a dramatic drop from around 138 daily transits recorded on February 28, as per information from the Joint Maritime Information Centre.
Prior to the escalation, roughly 3,000 vessels would typically pass through the strait each month, according to the BBC.
Lloyd’s List data further shows that of the 181 vessels that transited the strait in March, 125 — nearly 70 per cent — had Iranian links, while just 56 did not. Of these, 130 vessels were eastbound and 51 westbound, reflecting a heavily restricted and uneven flow.
The figures relate to cargo-carrying vessels above 10,000 dwt (deadweight tonnage) and may be revised upwards if further “dark” or untracked transits emerge, Lloyd’s List experts told Gulf Business.
The sharp decline follows US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which triggered a deterioration in maritime security conditions.
In early March, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued warnings to vessels transiting the strait, particularly those linked to the US and its allies. While the strait was not physically sealed, shipping activity collapsed within days as operators withdrew due to heightened risk, creating a de facto shutdown.
Since then, traffic has remained severely constrained, with only a limited number of vessels, often linked to Iran or select trading partners, continuing to transit.
An infographic of vessel traffic through Strait of Hormuz from February 28 to March 23 amid US-Israel war with Iran’ created on March 24, 2026. (Photo by Mehmet Yaren Bozgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Global ripple effects and dual chokepoint risk
In a LinkedIn note on Monday, leading maritime expert Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, said the situation remains fragile and could deteriorate further.
“The trickle of vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz since yesterday (Sunday 29 March, 2026) reduced further,” he said.
Jensen noted that, aside from some Iranian-flagged vessels, only the sanctioned tanker Tawanna transited the strait, while a bulk carrier identified as Mac Hope appeared to be preparing to enter, with maritime AIS (Automatic Identification System) data indicating Chinese ownership and crew.
The disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, with Brent crude rising above $100 per barrel and concerns mounting over fuel supply and pricing in parts of Asia and Africa.
The strait remains a critical artery for the global economy, handling around 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
In 2025, approximately 20 million barrels per day passed through the corridor, according to the US Energy Information Administration, linking Gulf producers including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE with global markets.
Speaking in Washington over the weekend, ADNOC managing director and group CEO Sultan Al Jaber warned of the wider implications of the disruption.
“Weaponising the Strait of Hormuz is not an act of aggression against one nation. It is economic terrorism against every nation, every consumer, every family that depends on affordable energy and food,” he said.
The situation also risks compounding existing pressures on global shipping routes, particularly as disruptions in the Red Sea continue.
Yemen’s Houthi movement has signalled it could escalate its involvement in the conflict, including recent attacks on Israel, raising concerns over renewed instability along the Bab el-Mandeb Strait — a key gateway between the Red Sea and global trade routes.
The Houthis have previously carried out sustained attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea using missiles and drones, forcing vessels to reroute and triggering US-led military responses.
Jensen warned that the industry must prepare for a prolonged period of instability across key maritime chokepoints.
“It is time for supply chain stakeholders to prepare for a situation where both Hormuz and the Red Sea continue to be chokepoints for a considerable amount of time,” he said.
As he noted, March 30 marked “day 31 of the Hormuz crisis” alongside “day 862 of the Red Sea crisis”.
UAE extends remote learning for schools until April 17
The extension follows a prior directive issued on March 17, when authorities confirmed that distance learning would continue nationwide for two weeks after the end of the spring break
The UAE Ministry of Education extended distance learning for all nurseries, kindergartens and schools until Friday, April 17th. This measure, announced via X, aims to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students, teachers, and administrative staff. The situation will be reviewed weekly, building upon previous extensions implemented after the spring break.
The UAE Ministry of Education has announced the continuation of distance learning for students, teachers, and administrative staff across all nurseries, kindergartens, and public and private schools nationwide until Friday, April 17, citing the need to ensure safety and wellbeing.
Officials confirmed that the situation will be reviewed on a weekly basis.
The announcement was made via the authority’s official X account.
The extension follows a prior directive issued on March 17, when authorities confirmed that distance learning would continue nationwide for two weeks after the end of the spring break.
That decision, introduced by the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council, aimed to maintain continuity in the education system while safeguarding students and the wider academic community.
Earlier guidance had also stipulated that distance learning would remain in place at the start of the third academic term, beginning March 23, for an initial two-week period.
The latest extension reinforces those measures, ensuring that all students and staff across the country remain engaged in remote education as authorities continue to monitor developments.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. (Dubai Media Office)
TT
16
Article Summary
Dubai has launched a Dhs1bn economic support package, effective from April 1st, offering relief to businesses and residents for 3-6 months. Measures include fee deferrals for hotels, extended customs payment grace periods, and streamlined residency processes. The package aims to bolster economic resilience and confidence amidst regional uncertainty, complementing other initiatives and Dubai's strong economic performance.
Dubai has unveiled a Dhs1bn economic incentives package aimed at cushioning businesses and individuals, with measures set to take effect from April 1 for a period of three to six months.
The initiative, approved at a meeting chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai — is designed to “strengthen the economy’s resilience, readiness and agility”, he said in a post on X.
The Dhs1bn stimulus focuses on targeted, short-term relief across key sectors:
Fee deferrals: It includes the deferral of a range of government fees for three months including measures allowing hotels to postpone paying 100 per cent of the sales fees and Tourism Dirham for three months to enhance liquidity in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Customs flexibility: Payment grace periods will be extended from 30 to 90 days, with scope for further extensions
Talent mobility: Residency permit processes will be streamlined to make it easier to live and work in Dubai
The measures are intended to “strengthen the economy’s resilience, readiness and agility,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
Confidence message to markets
Officials framed the package as part of a broader effort to sustain confidence during a period of regional uncertainty.
“Dubai has earned a reputation for credibility, transparency, and trust among businesses and investors worldwide, and stands ready to meet any challenge,” Sheikh Hamdan said.
The package was approved alongside a wider set of initiatives, including updates to GDP measurement, the Virtual Warehouses Initiative, the Dubai Empowerment Strategy, and a health and safety framework for workers’ accommodation.
The support measures come as Dubai continues to post strong economic performance. The emirate’s GDP rose 5.4 per cent in 2025 to exceed Dhs937bn.
Uber is acquiring Berlin's Blacklane to bolster its presence in the luxury travel market. The acquisition, expected to conclude by 2026, will integrate Blacklane's chauffeur service into Uber's platform. This move aligns with Uber's strategy to expand its premium offerings, providing a wider range of travel options and enhancing its Uber Elite programme.
Uber Technologies Inc said on Monday it has agreed to acquire Berlin-based global chauffeur service Blacklane, expanding its presence in the luxury and executive travel segment.
Founded in 2011, Blacklane connects travellers with independent local chauffeur services in more than 500 cities across 60 countries.
Corporate executives and discerning travellers widely use the service.
The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Uber said the deal will accelerate its expansion into the chauffeur sector, complementing its recently launched Uber Elite service.
Uber is looking to grow premium travel offerings
“Premium travel is one of the most exciting growth areas of Uber’s business. We want to offer the widest selection of options to meet our riders where they are,” Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said.
Blacklane founder and CEO Dr Jens Wohltorf said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in Blacklane’s next chapter and is a powerful step-change in introducing our service to new markets globally.”
Uber said combining Blacklane’s luxury service with its global scale and technology will create a platform for growth in executive and premium travel.
