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Dubai Airshow 2025: Big players, top tech, aviation innovations unveiled

Dubai Airshow 2025: Expect big players, aviation innovations

The show will reflect the UAE’s bold vision for aviation, aligning with the sector’s rapid growth trajectory

Amazon.ae launches Amazon Bazaar; products as low as Dhs4

Amazon Bazaar launches in UAE: products as low as Dhs4

The service is currently in beta and available to select UAE users, with a full rollout expected in the coming weeks

WhatsApp just made language barriers disappear: Here’s how

Missed Messages? WhatsApp’s new feature helps you catch up instantly

Users have full control over the feature, including the ability to enable it only for selected chats via the Advanced Chat Privacy settings

DubaiNow app users can now access their credit report, credit score

Etihad Credit Bureau’s integration with DubaiNow follows earlier efforts such as its service linkage with TAMM Abu Dhabi

The Turing Test is still the classic benchmark to assess AI: Here's why

Why the Turing Test is still the best benchmark to assess AI

As we mark Alan Turing Day 2025, we reflect on his enduring legacy and ask: has AI truly passed the Turing Test? With ChatGPT and other breakthroughs, we’re closer than ever — yet true machine understanding remains just out of reach

How stc group is leading cybersecurity innovation in Saudi Arabia and beyond

Building a resilient digital economy: How stc group is advancing cybersecurity for businesses and people

At the forefront of innovation, stc group is spearheading efforts to bolster cybersecurity, safeguarding businesses, individuals, and securing the digital future

Apple’s latest online safety tools: What parents need to know

Apple is making it easier for parents to confirm the age associated with their child’s account

WhatsApp just made language barriers disappear: Here’s how

WhatsApp rolls out new features for businesses: How to benefit from them

WhatsApp says the new features are designed to help users discover new content and enable organisations to grow their presence on the platform

Google contributed Dhs21.8bn to the UAE economy in 2024, according to a new report by UK-based research consultancy, Public First. The findings reflect the growing role of Google’s products — powered by artificial intelligence — in supporting digital transformation, business growth, and individual productivity across the country. The Google Economic Impact Report, launched today, outlines the contribution of tools such as Google Search, Ads, Play, Maps, YouTube, and the Gemini AI assistant to people, businesses, and communities in the UAE. According to the report, Google’s Search and Ads products alone were responsible for Dhs20.2bn in economic activity in 2024, helping thousands of local businesses reach customers and grow their operations. “We're incredibly proud to be a partner in the UAE’s boundless ambitions,” said Anthony Nakache, MD for Google in the Middle East and North Africa. “The report reflects our investment in accelerating the country’s ambitious journey towards a diversified, AI-powered economy. Through strategic investments, local partnerships, and our AI-powered tools, we're bringing substantial economic value and empowering individuals, businesses, and communities in the UAE.” Training and skills development The report notes that more than 430,000 people in the UAE have received training in digital and AI skills since 2018 through Google’s Maharat Min Google initiative. These efforts support the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy. The Android and Google Play ecosystem also contributed significantly to the UAE’s digital economy in 2024, supporting around 30,000 jobs and generating Dhs455m in revenue for local developers. Impact on daily life and consumer productivity Public First estimates that Google services deliver an average monthly consumer benefit of Dhs683 per user. In the UAE, 63 per cent of adults said they had used Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, and 90 per cent of those users agreed it improved their productivity. Additionally, 71 per cent said Gemini was easier to use in Arabic than other AI chatbots. Other widely adopted tools include Google Maps and Waze, with 89 per cent of adults saying they found them useful for navigation. Meanwhile, 90 per cent of users noted that mobile payment platforms such as GPay and GWallet improved everyday convenience. Half of all adults surveyed said that Google Search was essential to their daily routines. Business productivity and AI adoption AI usage among UAE businesses is on the rise, with 91 per cent of companies reporting that they use at least one AI tool in their workflows. Nearly all public sector respondents (97 per cent) agreed that Google’s AI-powered tools helped them be more productive. Consumer behaviour also reflected strong digital engagement: 94 per cent use Google Search monthly to compare prices 86 per cent consult Google reviews before visiting businesses 80 per cent use Google Maps or Waze to locate local venues 73 per cent of 18–24-year-olds browse or shop online via Search weekly Creative and developer ecosystem The UAE's creative economy is also benefitting from Google's platforms. More than 600 UAE-based YouTube channels now have over one million subscribers — a 15 per cent increase year-on-year. In addition, more than 20,000 journalists and journalism students across the MENA region, including the UAE, have been trained by the Google News Initiative. Methodology The report is based on surveys conducted in March 2025 with 1,110 UAE-based online adults and 389 business leaders, carried out in English and Arabic. Results were weighted to ensure national representation. Google contributed Dhs21.8bn to the UAE economy in 2024, according to a new report by UK-based research consultancy, Public First. The findings reflect the growing role of Google’s products — powered by artificial intelligence — in supporting digital transformation, business growth, and individual productivity across the country. The Google Economic Impact Report, launched today, outlines the contribution of tools such as Google Search, Ads, Play, Maps, YouTube, and the Gemini AI assistant to people, businesses, and communities in the UAE. According to the report, Google’s Search and Ads products alone were responsible for Dhs20.2bn in economic activity in 2024, helping thousands of local businesses reach customers and grow their operations. “We're incredibly proud to be a partner in the UAE’s boundless ambitions,” said Anthony Nakache, MD for Google in the Middle East and North Africa. “The report reflects our investment in accelerating the country’s ambitious journey towards a diversified, AI-powered economy. Through strategic investments, local partnerships, and our AI-powered tools, we're bringing substantial economic value and empowering individuals, businesses, and communities in the UAE.” Training and skills development The report notes that more than 430,000 people in the UAE have received training in digital and AI skills since 2018 through Google’s Maharat Min Google initiative. These efforts support the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a knowledge-based economy. The Android and Google Play ecosystem also contributed significantly to the UAE’s digital economy in 2024, supporting around 30,000 jobs and generating Dhs455m in revenue for local developers. Impact on daily life and consumer productivity Public First estimates that Google services deliver an average monthly consumer benefit of Dhs683 per user. In the UAE, 63 per cent of adults said they had used Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, and 90 per cent of those users agreed it improved their productivity. Additionally, 71 per cent said Gemini was easier to use in Arabic than other AI chatbots. Other widely adopted tools include Google Maps and Waze, with 89 per cent of adults saying they found them useful for navigation. Meanwhile, 90 per cent of users noted that mobile payment platforms such as GPay and GWallet improved everyday convenience. Half of all adults surveyed said that Google Search was essential to their daily routines. Business productivity and AI adoption AI usage among UAE businesses is on the rise, with 91 per cent of companies reporting that they use at least one AI tool in their workflows. Nearly all public sector respondents (97 per cent) agreed that Google’s AI-powered tools helped them be more productive. Consumer behaviour also reflected strong digital engagement: 94 per cent use Google Search monthly to compare prices 86 per cent consult Google reviews before visiting businesses 80 per cent use Google Maps or Waze to locate local venues 73 per cent of 18–24-year-olds browse or shop online via Search weekly Creative and developer ecosystem The UAE's creative economy is also benefitting from Google's platforms. More than 600 UAE-based YouTube channels now have over one million subscribers — a 15 per cent increase year-on-year. In addition, more than 20,000 journalists and journalism students across the MENA region, including the UAE, have been trained by the Google News Initiative. Methodology The report is based on surveys conducted in March 2025 with 1,110 UAE-based online adults and 389 business leaders, carried out in English and Arabic. Results were weighted to ensure national representation.    

How Google contributed Dhs21.8bn to UAE’s economy in 2024

Google said 30,000 jobs were created by the Google Play and Android app ecosystem in the UAE

xAI’s Grok models now available on Oracle Cloud infrastructure

xAI’s Grok models now available on Oracle Cloud infrastructure

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

Adobe brings Firefly to mobile, expands AI ecosystem for creators

With the launch of the new Firefly mobile app for iOS and Android, creators can generate and edit images and videos from anywhere using generative AI

Dubai’s RTA now offers free Wi-Fi at all 43 bus, marine stations

The service will be assessed for expansion and improvement, in collaboration with e&, to ensure high-quality connectivity for passengers

Al Ain Farms Group, Finland’s FoodIQ to bring advanced food tech to region

Al Ain Farms Group, Finland’s FoodIQ to bring advanced food tech to region

AAFG will become the first company globally to industrially adopt FoodIQ’s patented multi-layer cooker (MLC) technology outside of Finland

EDGNEX by DAMAC to build $2.3bn AI data centre in Jakarta

EDGNEX by DAMAC to build $2.3bn AI data centre in Jakarta

To date, EDGNEX has committed over $3bn to digital infrastructure investments across Southeast Asia

zero government bureaucracy 2nd phase unveiled _ Image Dubai Media Office

UAE unveils phase 2 of Zero Government Bureaucracy programme

The programme, launched in November 2023, is part of the UAE’s wider ambition to deliver customer-centric, proactive, and digitally advanced public services

Timeline revealed: Driverless Ubers to hit Dubai roads

The initial phase will feature autonomous vehicles operating with a safety driver onboard to monitor performance and ensure safety

G42 opens new subsidiary G42 Europe & UK image G42 for illustrative purposes

G42 establishes Europe & UK subsidiary, eyes AI infrastructure growth

The establishment of the new entity follows G42’s increasing presence in Europe, which includes recent announcements of data centres and compute clusters in France and Italy

Review: Why HP’s OmniBook X marks the next-gen of business laptops

Review: Why HP’s OmniBook X marks the next-gen of business laptops

The HP OmniBook X is an ultra-light, AI-powered business laptop built to keep up with work wherever it follows you

New WhatsApp features updates: What’s changing in your app

The Chats tab, known for secure, encrypted conversations with friends and family, now includes several creative tools

Dubai Metro: How is it using AI to support infrastructure

The process reduces manual inspections by up to 70 per cent and improves infrastructure assessment capabilities by 40 per cent

Content boom: Why AI can’t fix creative without better systems

While AI can crank out content faster than ever, speed alone doesn’t translate into compelling stories or emotional connection

Dubai’s second tokenised property fully funded in under 2 minutes

The offering attracted 149 investors from 35 nationalities, pushing the waiting list to more than 10,700 individuals

Binance withdraws Abu Dhabi licence application

Binance launches in Syria: What users need to know

Binance, which holds 21 regulatory licenses worldwide, will enable Syrian users to access a full suite of crypto services

Apple just leveled up AirPods: Here’s what’s new

Creators, including podcasters, interviewers, and musicians, can now record clearer, more natural-sounding audio directly through their AirPods

ChatGPT

ChatGPT hit with downtime amid widespread outage reports

Reports of outages started circulating on platforms such as X and Reddit, with users indicating they are facing issues

PRYPCO Mint unveils second tokenised property, listing to go live on June 11

PRYPCO Mint unveils second tokenised property, listing to go live on June 11

Its inaugural listing — a two-bedroom apartment in Business Bay valued at Dhs2.4m — was oversubscribed within 24 hours by 224 investors from over 40 nationalities

UAE lottery and EQL Games tie-up to introduce 2 games in the UAE_ Image for illustrative purposes Getty Images

UAE Lottery taps EQL Games in landmark digital gaming deal

As the UAE Lottery looks to grow its user base and revenue streams, the partnership is expected to lay the groundwork for future gaming innovations across the region

apple reveals new innovations at WWDC 2025

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

Apple has introduced its most extensive software redesign ever, baptising a fresh visual language as “Liquid Glass”

Syed Muhammad Ali od MyZoi shares how tech is reshaping financial access in the GCC

Banking on inclusion: How tech is reshaping financial access in the GCC

Governments, regulators, fintech innovators, employers and civil society must work together to ensure that no one is left behind, says MyZoi’s CEO

'WHOOP 5.0 Is our biggest leap yet', says founder and CEO Will Ahmed

‘WHOOP 5.0 Is our biggest leap yet’, says founder and CEO Will Ahmed

Ahmed outlines how the WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG are redefining performance, longevity and recovery for its global user base