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du's envision 2025 positions ai at the heart of uae's digital future image

Envision 2025: du puts AI at the heart of UAE’s digital future

du CEO Fahad Al Hassawi underscored Dubai’s standing among the world’s top five cities for AI adoption during his keynote address

Oracle HQ Image Supplied

Oracle nears $1tn valuation, Ellison edges toward richest-person title

Co-founder Ellison saw his net worth rise by nearly $100bn to $392.6bn, largely due to his 41 per cent stake in Oracle

Low-code, AI adoption surges in MEA image Getty Images for illustrative purposes, finds report

Low-code, AI adoption surges in MEA as CIOs tackle app backlogs, finds report

In the Middle East and Africa region, low-code adoption is rising sharply, particularly in government, banking, financial services, insurance and energy sectors

Portfolio Map Dashboard

AI platform transforms sustainability reporting for UAE real estate sector

With SustainInsight, companies can upload documents directly into the platform, which uses AI and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to automatically generate reports aligned with international frameworks

MBZUAI and G42 launch K2 Think model Getty Images for illustrative purposes

MBZUAI, G42 launch open-source AI reasoning system K2 Think

K2 Think extends MBZUAI’s open-source family of models including Jais (Arabic), NANDA (Hindi) and SHERKALA (Kazakh), and builds on K2-65B

iPhone 17 Pro, AirPods Pro 3 and more: Apple confirms UAE prices, availability

iPhone 17 Pro, AirPods Pro 3 and more: Apple confirms UAE prices, availability

The iPhone 17 series introduces powerful new processors, industry-leading camera systems with 48MP Fusion technology

Apple launches slim iPhone 17 Air, new AirPods and watch in holiday refresh

The iPhone 17 Air, Apple’s thinnest model yet at 5.6 millimetres, starts at $999 and will be available from 19 September

Dubai goes digital: WHX Tech sets stage for health innovation in AI, policy

Dubai goes digital: WHX Tech sets stage for health innovation in AI, policy

The event, running through September 10, marks a major milestone in the UAE’s strategic efforts to become a global hub for health innovation

UAE’s healthcare revolution: AI, robots, data redefine medicine

UAE’s healthcare revolution: AI, robots, data redefine medicine

In procedures like endoscopy, where a camera is inserted into the body, AI modules help detect cancers or anomalies in real time

Internet slowdown: Why the Red Sea’s SMW4 and IMEWE cables matter

Many of the world’s most critical subsea fibre cables traverse the GCC region, meaning that a cable cut in one area can disrupt internet services in several countries.

Justin Smith, managing director at Ansarada

Ansarada expands Middle East presence with AI-powered dealmaking tools

Ansarada’s VDRs are designed not just for secure storage, but to deliver predictive insights that allow dealmakers to identify risks and opportunities early

Slower internet in UAE, wider region amid Red Sea cable cuts

Failures affecting the SEA-ME-WE 4 (SMW4) and IMEWE cable systems have impacted internet services in the region

Cybersecurity: Why 'public-private-people' partnerships hold the key

Kiteworks survey reveals critical data governance gaps in Middle East

The report emphasises that certification frameworks and contractual safeguards offer limited protection without monitoring and measurement

Here's why AI will never replace the voice in your head, says jack Thomas Taylor

Here’s why AI will never replace the voice in your head

The real opportunity isn’t in AI replacing human creativity but in amplifying it, in creating space for the weird and wonderful ideas that only emerge when humans have the time and freedom to play

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.    

Google faces temporary service disruption in Turkey and parts of Europe

Turkey’s cyber security watchdog has requested a technical report from Google

ADNOC signs reinsurance deal with IHC's RIQ Image-ADNOC

Abu Dhabi: ADNOC, RIQ ink $500m AI-powered reinsurance deal

The partnership is designed to bolster ADNOC’s operational resilience and support energy transition efforts with innovative insurance solutions

HUB71 17th cohort -image-hub71

Hub71 welcomes record AI startups in latest cohort, boosting Abu Dhabi’s tech push

Six startups were selected for Hub71’s Cohort 17, which have raised over $223m (Dhs818m) – the highest to date

OpenAI to roll out parental controls for ChatGPT after safety concerns

OpenAI to roll out parental controls for ChatGPT after safety concerns

The move aims to enhance protections for teenage users amid growing scrutiny over its handling of vulnerable individuals

Apple rebounds with big earnings: Eyes AI, iPhone 17 to sustain momentum

Apple rebounds with big earnings: Eyes AI, iPhone 17 to sustain momentum

The tech giant posted its fastest revenue expansion since 2021, bolstered by a surprising 4 per cent rise in sales in Greater China

UAE cyber security council warns of breaches through public wi fi Image-Getty-Images-for-illustrative-purposes-Getty Images

UAE cyber body warns of rising breaches linked to public wi‑fi use

The council said insecure Wi‑Fi networks can facilitate “man-in-the-middle” attacks and redirections to fake sites, to the installation of spyware or malware

Dubai goes digital: New licensing system transforms airport security

Dubai goes digital: New licensing system transforms airport security

It supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and reinforces international trust in Dubai’s aviation security framework

Cisco outlines 5 steps to boost cybersecurity in UAE healthcare sector

Cisco outlines 5 steps to boost cybersecurity in UAE healthcare sector

The healthcare industry is a key target for cyberattacks globally due to the value of patient records, reliance on outdated systems, and human vulnerabilities

Eric Turkington - Chief Product Officer - Rain Technology on the power of voice in the OR: Bridging high tech, human realities

The power of voice in the OR: Bridging high tech, human realities

Leveraging voice assistants that are tailored explicitly for the OT empowers regional clinicians to overcome both technical and workflow-specific hurdles

Can’t find the right words for your message? WhatsApp’s got a new feature for that

Can’t find the right words for your message? WhatsApp’s got a new feature for that

Designed to assist users in crafting messages that hit the right tone, the feature offers real-time suggestions based on user intent

Dr Najwa Aaraj_CEO_TII

Women in AI is a strategic advantage for UAE, says TII’s Dr Najwa Aaraj

This Emirati Women’s Day is not just a celebration of what has been achieved but a reminder of what’s still at stake, says the CEO of the Technology Innovation Institute (TII)

Dr. Emad Fahmy, systems engineering manager, Middle East at NETSCOUT

Why DDoS attacks are reshaping Middle East cyber defence

Saudi Arabia observed more than 270,000 DDoS attacks in H1 2025 – the highest frequency in the region

iPhone 17 is almost here: Release date, must-know details released

iPhone 17 is almost here: Release date, must-know details released

The iPhone Air is expected to feature a 6.6-inch display, mirroring Apple’s branding strategy with its iPad Air and MacBook Air lines

Ashish Koshy Chief Executive Officer Inception on how AI teammates will power business transformation

Inception’s Ashish Koshy on how AI teammates will power business transformation

Agentic AI can power businesses by embedding AI agents into core functions like procurement, productivity, and process automation, says Koshy

DMCC signs fintech MoU with Sweden’s Vermiculus

DMCC signs fintech MoU with Sweden’s Vermiculus

The partnership will explore collaboration on deploying financial technology solutions for exchanges, clearing houses, and central securities depositories

Sony's Jobin Joejoe on how customer focus, innovation are powering its regional growth

Sony’s Jobin Joejoe on how customer focus and innovation are powering its regional growth

Sony MEA and Central Asia’s MD tells us how the company is navigating a diverse regional market, leveraging AI, and expanding its product portfolio