The UAE has launched the first technical learning phase of the National Experts Program’s Artificial Intelligence Track (NEP-AI), marking the next step in its strategy to develop a pipeline of Emirati AI talent capable of supporting the country’s long-term technology ambitions.

The programme’s first module, “AI Foundations and the AI Stack,” brings together 32 Emirati experts to build technical expertise in the technologies, infrastructure and data systems that underpin modern artificial intelligence.

The launch was attended by Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, and His Excellency Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology.

Al Olama said investing in national talent is central to strengthening the UAE’s long-term leadership in artificial intelligence and building a future-ready economy.

He said: “As AI continues to reshape industries and societies, developing highly skilled national talent with both technical expertise and strategic insight has become a national priority to ensure the UAE remains at the forefront of technological advancement.”

He added that the AI Track reflects the UAE’s commitment to building world-class AI capabilities by equipping Emirati experts with the technical knowledge and leadership skills needed to accelerate AI adoption across sectors, strengthen policymaking and reinforce the country’s global position in artificial intelligence.

Sharaf said artificial intelligence has evolved beyond a technology enabler to become a strategic pillar for economic competitiveness, national resilience and international influence.

He said: “The UAE’s strategic approach to artificial intelligence, underpinned by strong national support and robust strategic partnerships, reflects the nation’s position as a leading global partner in AI and technological innovation. The UAE reflects this vision through its commitment to building a secure and prosperous future for young people and future generations by investing in human capital and empowering national talent.”

The opening module moves beyond the use of AI applications to examine how AI systems are designed, trained, deployed and scaled in real-world environments. Participants will study AI compute infrastructure, including Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), as well as the energy requirements and global supply chains that support the development of advanced AI models.

The curriculum also covers the broader AI technology stack, including data architecture, model development, deployment and governance, with a focus on how data quality and infrastructure influence AI performance.

As part of the programme, participants will visit the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ADIA Lab, where they will gain first-hand exposure to AI research and development in the UAE.

At ADIA Lab, director Dr Horst Simon and the lab’s researchers will discuss the strategic importance of compute infrastructure for AI innovation and showcase the organisation’s research initiatives. At TII, chief executive officer Dr Najwa Aaraj will lead a panel discussion on building sovereign AI capabilities through national infrastructure and strategy.

The technical knowledge gained during the module will feed into participants’ capstone projects, which are designed to address real-world organisational and national challenges by applying AI solutions with measurable impact.

The AI foundations module establishes the technical baseline for the programme before participants move on to subsequent modules covering AI leadership, strategy and innovation, supporting the UAE’s broader ambition to develop homegrown expertise in one of the world’s fastest-growing technologies.

Aldar has launched Marsa Al Saadiyat, a Dhs100bn mixed-use development that marks the final phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to expand its luxury real estate, tourism and investment offering.

Spanning 6.4 million square metres, the waterfront destination will accommodate more than 58,000 residents and feature Abu Dhabi’s largest marina, luxury hotels, branded residences, cultural attractions and extensive leisure infrastructure.

The masterplan was unveiled in the presence of HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, who also announced the project’s new name, replacing the previous Saadiyat Marina District with Marsa Al Saadiyat, a nod to the UAE’s rich maritime heritage.

The destination will be home to Abu Dhabi’s largest marina, with capacity for up to 350 berths for sailing boats and luxury yachts. Sheikh Khaled also reviewed the project’s masterplan, including its primary infrastructure, waterfront promenade, public parks, marinas, cycling tracks, walking paths and community amenities.

HH said the development reflects the UAE leadership’s commitment to investing in integrated infrastructure that supports future growth, enhances quality of life and strengthens the country’s global competitiveness. He added that the project reinforces the UAE’s development model by combining sustainability, economic competitiveness and liveability for current and future generations.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Aldar, said: “Marsa Al Saadiyat marks the activation of the final phase of the Saadiyat Island masterplan, and with it, the beginning of the most ambitious chapter yet in the island’s evolution. Abu Dhabi today stands among the world’s most compelling destinations for long-term capital, offering a combination of vision, economic momentum, and a quality of life that continues to attract the most discerning investors and residents from around the world. Marsa Al Saadiyat is a direct expression of that confidence: a development of genuine global scale, conceived with an ambition that reflects Abu Dhabi’s place on the world stage.”

Talal Al Dhiyebi, group chief executive officer at Aldar, said: “Marsa Al Saadiyat is a landmark development for Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate’s emergence as a powerful force in the global luxury landscape. With a development value of Dhs100bn, the masterplan will add significant scale and character to the island, a destination already recognised as one of the most compelling cultural and lifestyle addresses in the world.”

Designed as an integrated waterfront community, Marsa Al Saadiyat will stretch across an 8-kilometre coastline, including 5.6 kilometres of beaches, approximately 140 kilometres of interconnected walking paths and a 46-kilometre cycling network. The masterplan incorporates landscaped parks, community clubhouses, outdoor pools, sports facilities, premium healthcare services and three schools, with amenities designed to be within walking or cycling distance for residents.

The residential offering will include private mansions, luxury villas, waterfront apartments, branded residences and a 22.5-metre hillside community of standalone villas positioned to maximise views of the surrounding landscape.

A scenic pedestrian walkway will connect the development directly to the Saadiyat Cultural District, while the destination itself will feature a 1-kilometre retail and dining promenade, a yacht club, two luxury hotels and a theatre district anchored by Dar al Funoon, a performing arts venue with capacity for more than 6,000 guests.

The project builds on Saadiyat Island’s established position as one of Abu Dhabi’s premier cultural and lifestyle destinations, complementing attractions including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Residents will also have access to educational institutions including New York University Abu Dhabi (NYU Abu Dhabi), Berklee Abu Dhabi, Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, American Community School of Abu Dhabi and Harrow International School Abu Dhabi.

To improve connectivity, Marsa Al Saadiyat will be linked to Umm Yifeenah Island and Reem Island through a new network of roads and tunnels. The development will also feature an Etihad Rail underground high-speed rail station, supporting connectivity between Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s other emirates, while a new bridge will connect the destination to Aldar’s planned island development off the coast of Saadiyat Island.

Sales of the first homes at Marsa Al Saadiyat are scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026, with site enabling and infrastructure works due to commence in the third quarter, marking the next phase of Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to attract global investment and strengthen its position as a leading luxury real estate and tourism destination.

Dubai Municipality has launched its new ‘Account Manager’ initiative, introducing a dedicated communication channel for strategic customers and partners as part of its efforts to strengthen long-term relationships and improve the delivery of municipal services.

The initiative underscores Dubai Municipality’s commitment to providing proactive, customer-focused services that accelerate procedures, simplify customer journeys and support an integrated municipal service ecosystem that enhances quality of life.

Read more-Dubai to roll out ‘Work from Park’ spaces in push to blend productivity with green areas

Designed to move beyond traditional service delivery, the Account Manager initiative establishes dedicated points of contact for key customer groups, including individuals, food traders, real estate developers, contractors and engineering consultants. The Municipality said the initiative is intended to ensure more efficient follow-up, quicker responses and a smoother overall service experience, a WAM report said.

Focus on proactive customer engagement

The programme represents a significant step in Dubai Municipality’s evolving customer service strategy, placing greater emphasis on sustained engagement and long-term partnerships with strategic customers.

Manal Bin Yaroof, director of the Customer Happiness Department at Dubai Municipality, said, “The Account Manager initiative marks an important step in the way Dubai Municipality serves its customers and partners. It reflects our commitment to moving from a traditional service model towards a more proactive approach built on long-term relationships, deeper understanding of customer needs and faster, more effective responses.”

She added, “Through this dedicated service channel, we aim to support vital sectors with greater flexibility and professionalism, enhance the continuity of their work, and strengthen customer happiness. The initiative also reinforces Dubai’s position as a global city that provides world-class government services designed around the needs of customers and the community.”

Charter outlines roles and responsibilities

To support the rollout of the initiative, Dubai Municipality said its relevant departments have signed a comprehensive charter that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities involved in managing customer accounts across approved customer segments.

The charter is intended to support the delivery of integrated, proactive services while ensuring customer expectations are met and satisfaction levels continue to improve.

From an operational perspective, the municipality said the Account Manager role has been designed to improve agility, responsiveness and service efficiency. Dedicated account managers will oversee customer relationships through continuous engagement, respond to enquiries and follow up on transactions within one working day.

End-to-end support for customers

Dubai Municipality said Account Managers have been equipped with specialised expertise to manage and facilitate a broad range of municipal services and transactions efficiently and professionally.

They have also been granted the authority to coordinate directly with departments and sectors across the Municipality, helping accelerate procedures, simplify customer journeys and deliver integrated solutions tailored to customer requirements.

Their responsibilities extend beyond providing advice and guidance. Account Managers will oversee customer requests from submission through to resolution, while addressing observations and challenges within established service timelines. Dubai Municipality said this end-to-end approach is designed to provide a seamless customer experience while improving operational efficiency across municipal services.

To further strengthen service delivery, Account Managers will communicate directly with customers, coordinate with organisational units across Dubai Municipality and access relevant data securely to support faster decision-making and more efficient processing.

In addition, they will monitor and document customer interactions through smart systems, while preparing monthly reports and recommendations to support the continuous improvement of municipal services.

Dubai Municipality said the new initiative forms part of its broader customer happiness strategy, aimed at strengthening proactive engagement, improving service efficiency and building stronger partnerships with key sectors that contribute to Dubai’s growth and competitiveness.

DP World has signed a landmark 50-year concession agreement with the Fujairah Ports Authority to develop two new multipurpose container terminals in Fujairah, a move expected to significantly expand the UAE’s port capacity, strengthen supply chains and reinforce the country’s position as a leading global trade and logistics hub.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah. Also attending the signing ceremony were Essa Kazim, chairman of DP World’s Board of Directors, and Captain Mousa Murad, MD of Fujairah Ports Authority, according to a WAM report.

Under the long-term concession, DP World will develop the Al Rugaylat Container Terminal and the Dibba Al Fujairah Port, creating new maritime infrastructure designed to meet growing regional and international trade demand.

Strategic boost for Fujairah

Sheikh Mohammed said the preliminary agreement between the Fujairah Ports Authority and DP World reflects the vision of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, to further establish the emirate as a global maritime and logistics hub.

Read more-DP World, Arcapita break ground on Jafza logistics hub

He said the project would strengthen Fujairah’s economic infrastructure by attracting high-quality investments, improving supply chain efficiency and creating new employment opportunities. The development is also expected to support the UAE’s sustainable development goals while enhancing the country’s competitiveness as a major centre for global trade and logistics.

The new terminals build on Fujairah’s growing importance as a maritime gateway. Located on the Gulf of Oman, the emirate has continued to expand its role in international shipping, with the latest investment expected to bring additional business activity, employment opportunities and long-term economic growth.

Major increase in cargo capacity

The Al Rugaylat terminal is being designed to handle up to 2.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. It will also have the capacity to process around 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo each year, along with 190,000 Car Equivalent Units (CEUs).

Meanwhile, Dibba Al Fujairah Port will add annual general cargo handling capacity of up to 3.6 million tonnes.

Once both terminals become operational, DP World’s total container handling capacity across the UAE is expected to increase from 19.4 million TEUs to nearly 22 million TEUs. The expansion will also significantly strengthen the company’s general cargo and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) capabilities, providing additional flexibility for customers moving goods through the country.

Integrated logistics network

The new facilities will be connected to Jebel Ali through DP World’s inland logistics network and integrated with Jafza, extending the company’s end-to-end supply chain capabilities across the UAE.

The integration is expected to allow customers to move cargo more efficiently between ports, logistics centres and end markets, supporting faster and more resilient supply chains.

Development of the terminals will take place in phases, with construction expected to require approximately 24 to 30 months from the start of work.

Leaders highlight long-term benefits

Sheikh Saleh bin Mohamed Al Sharqi, chairman of Fujairah Ports Authority, described the partnership as a significant milestone in the emirate’s continued maritime development.

“The partnership with DP World marks an important milestone in Fujairah’s continued development as one of the region’s most important maritime gateways. The Al Rugaylat and Dibba terminals will bring world-class operating capability, expanded capacity and new investment to the emirate. We look forward to working with DP World to deliver a project that will benefit customers, communities and the UAE’s wider economy.”

Essa Kazim, chairman of DP World, said the investment underscores the company’s confidence in the UAE’s long-term growth prospects.

“The UAE has been at the heart of DP World’s story for more than four decades, and this investment reflects our confidence in its future as one of the world’s leading trade and logistics hubs. Building on the strength of Jebel Ali, this development deepens our commitment to the UAE and reinforces the country’s strategic role in global trade.”

Captain Mousa Murad, Managing Director of Fujairah Ports Authority, said the development would significantly enhance the emirate’s maritime infrastructure and improve services for customers.

“This development will add significant new capability to Fujairah’s port infrastructure and enhance the range and quality of services we can offer to cargo owners and logistics customers. By combining Fujairah’s strategic location with DP World’s operating expertise, we aim to deliver modern, efficient terminals that support regional trade flows, strengthen connectivity and meet the highest international standards.”

Yuvraj Narayan, group CEO of DP World, said the investment complements the company’s operations at Jebel Ali while creating additional capacity to support future trade growth.

“Fujairah strengthens what Jebel Ali already delivers a single, global integrated platform for moving goods across global supply chains and within the UAE and beyond. With Jebel Ali operating at high utilisation, this development provides the additional capacity to support long-term growth. For cargo owners, it means greater flexibility, more choice and stronger supply chain resilience.”

Samsung Electronics introduced intelligent eyewear on Wednesday, expanding its Galaxy ecosystem beyond smartphones with intelligent eyewear designed for everyday tasks, communication and hands-free assistance.

The South Korean technology company unveiled the new devices at its Galaxy Unpacked event in London, saying the eyewear was developed in collaboration with global eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to combine artificial intelligence capabilities with consumer-focused design.

The launch builds on concepts showcased at Google I/O and marks Samsung’s move into a growing market for AI-enabled wearable devices, where technology firms are seeking to integrate digital assistants into more natural, screen-free experiences.

“As agentic AI reshapes mobile experiences, the next step is to make those experiences more intuitive and responsive to each user’s context,” said Won-Joon Choi, chief operating officer of Samsung’s Mobile eXperience business.

“Intelligent eyewear creates a new point of interaction, bringing more personalised AI assistance naturally into the moments that make up everyday life,” he added.

Read: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra wins Gulf Business Editor’s Choice award for redefining mobile photography

Galaxy intelligent eyewear: Highlights

The eyewear features a lightweight frame, slim profile and built-in camera designed to provide visual context for AI interactions.

Samsung said the device can deliver up to nine hours of battery life on a single charge, with the charging case providing up to seven additional full charges.

Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 platform, the device is designed to support real-time AI assistance, connectivity, touch controls, power efficiency and thermal management within a compact form factor.

The glasses integrate Google’s Gemini AI assistant through the Android XR platform, allowing users to access information, interact with digital services and receive assistance without relying on a smartphone screen.

“Google and Samsung have a shared vision to bring helpful and context-aware intelligence into everyday life,” said Sameer Samat, president of Android Ecosystem at Google.

“Built on the Android XR platform, the intelligent eyewear blends world-class designs with Gemini’s advanced assistance that naturally responds to what you see, delivering all-day, hands-free help,” he added.

Samsung said the eyewear can assist users by summarising messages, reading information aloud, supporting live translation and enabling voice or gesture-based controls.

The device can also capture visual information, such as meeting notes or whiteboards, and organise details for later review through Samsung Notes. Users can request location-based guidance, including navigation support and information about their surroundings.

The company said the glasses can also enable live visual sharing during calls, allowing users to share their point of view while keeping their hands free.

A technology device and ‘fashion’ accessory

Samsung is positioning the product as both a technology device and a fashion accessory, working with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to offer different frame styles, colours and lens options.

The collaborations reflect a broader shift among technology companies to make wearable devices more closely aligned with personal style and everyday use rather than positioning them solely as gadgets.

Samsung said the intelligent eyewear will form part of the wider Galaxy ecosystem, extending AI-powered experiences across devices and allowing users to interact with technology in a more context-aware way.