Kazakhstan has unveiled its first national supercomputer in a strategic partnership with UAE-based Presight, marking a milestone in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The launch event, attended by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and top government and technology leaders, was developed by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, in collaboration with Presight, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s G42.

The supercomputer to support Kazakhstan’s AI and research ecosystem

Designed to support large-scale AI innovation, national data security, and cross-border cooperation, the supercomputer will serve as the technological backbone of Kazakhstan’s AI and research ecosystem. It will enable advanced research, model training, and digital infrastructure across Central Asia and beyond, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s ambition to become a regional hub for AI and cloud computing.

Magzhan Kenesbai, chief growth officer, and Maxat Koshumbayev, country manager for Kazakhstan, represented Presight at the launch. Kenesbai, while presenting to President Tokayev, said Kazakhstan has the foundational elements to emerge as a global leader in AI.

“Presight fully supports President Tokayev’s bold vision for digital transformation,” Kenesbai said. “The launch of the national supercomputer is a key milestone in a broader, strategic agenda to build a digitally empowered nation. Presight is proud to stand alongside Kazakhstan as a trusted partner in this nation-building effort.”

Kenesbai also briefed President Tokayev on Presight’s global initiatives, including the Stargate UAE project and the UAE-US AI Campus, and provided updates on the ongoing Astana Smart City project in partnership with the Akimat.

Presight Kazakhstan has over 50 specialists

The project includes construction of a data centre and command center at Alem.AI, and deployment of an AI analytics system.

Over 60 per cent of suppliers are local, and Presight Kazakhstan now employs more than 50 specialists.

The announcement signals Presight’s deepening investment in Kazakhstan through major infrastructure and smart city initiatives, with a focus on talent development, AI applications, and long-term in-country value creation.

DP World has entered into a 30-year concession agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to develop and operate the Port of Tartus. The deal, structured as a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model and fully owned by DP World, aims to modernise the port’s infrastructure and reestablish Tartus as a vital trade hub connecting Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Under the agreement, DP World will invest $800m over the course of the concession to transform the port’s capabilities. Plans include the construction of new infrastructure, deployment of advanced cargo-handling equipment, and implementation of digital systems to improve operational efficiency at both the container and general cargo terminals.

The agreement was signed in Damascus in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic, by Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and group CEO of DP World, and Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, chairman of the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and group CEO of DP World, said: “This agreement reflects our long-term commitment to enabling global trade and creating resilient supply chains. We see strong potential in Tartus to serve as a vital trade gateway and look forward to strengthening regional connectivity and economic opportunity through this investment. We believe in the power of trade to help drive long-term stability and prosperity for Syria and the region.”

Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, added: “This agreement marks an important step forward for the Port of Tartus and Syria’s maritime sector. Partnering with DP World will allow us to modernise and strengthen the efficiency of our trade infrastructure as we continue to rebuild key trade lanes, support the national economy and provide more opportunities for the Syrian people. The agreement reflects our shared vision to transform Tartus into a strategic gateway linking Syria with regional and international markets and it will pave the way for sustainable growth for years to come.”

Read: DP World to invest $2.5bn in 2025 to expand global logistics footprint

Trade routes

Strategically located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, Tartus is the country’s second-largest port and plays a critical role in connecting trade routes to Europe, the Levant, and North Africa. The redevelopment is expected to significantly boost Syria’s trade potential, enabling the port to handle a wider variety of cargo including general cargo, containers, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off traffic.

DP World also plans to explore opportunities for developing free zones, inland logistics hubs, and transit corridors in partnership with local stakeholders. These initiatives aim to support Syria’s economic recovery and diversification efforts.

With operations in more than 75 countries and over 9.2 per cent of global container traffic handled through its network, DP World brings more than 40 years of experience in global logistics development. The Tartus project builds on the company’s growing portfolio and reinforces its presence in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia’s Capital Market Authority (CMA) has approved a wide-ranging package of regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening the asset management industry and aligning it with international standards.

The approved amendments cover the Investment Funds Regulations, Real Estate Investment Funds Regulations, and the Glossary of Defined Terms.

The reforms are intended to improve transparency, investor protection, fund governance, and operational flexibility, particularly for investment fund managers and real estate investment trusts (REITs).

CMA’s key changes include

• Expanded distribution channels: Digital platforms and electronic money institutions licensed by the Saudi Central Bank can now distribute fund units, enabling broader access for investors.
• New REIT flexibility: Real estate funds traded on the parallel market (Nomu) can invest in development projects without initial asset or percentage restrictions.
• Risk reduction: Money market and capital protection funds must cap exposure to a single debt instrument at 10 per cent and total exposure to one entity at 25 per cent of net assets.
• Improved governance: Rules now require CMA approval and a 60-day transition period for changes in fund management, ensuring continuity and investor protection.
• Retail investor limits: Caps were introduced to limit retail investor subscriptions in private and foreign funds to 50 per cent of total contributions, preventing concentration risks.

These changes follow a record year in 2024 when the CMA approved 44 new investment funds, including equity, money market, Waqf (endowment), and ETF funds.

Assets under management reached nearly SAR700bn, growing 25.2 per cent year-on-year.

The CMA said the reforms were finalised after public consultations held in June and October 2024 and in February earlier this year.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the UAE has announced the launch of a major project aimed at developing and enhancing the capacity of Emirates Road. This initiative forms part of a comprehensive national plan to tackle the persistent issue of traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency across the country.

The project reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to building smart, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure that supports economic growth objectives, raises the quality of life for residents, and enhances the overall efficiency of the federal road network, a WAM report said.

Major road expansion and interchange upgrades

The Emirates Road development project involves a significant expansion of the existing road, increasing it from three to five lanes in each direction over a 25-kilometre stretch. The expansion will run from Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to the border of Umm Al Quwain, effectively increasing the road’s capacity to handle approximately 9,000 vehicles per hour. This marks a 65 per cent increase in capacity, aiming to substantially ease traffic flow on this heavily used route.

Read-RTA’s overhaul: How it’s improving traffic on Dubai’s Emirates Road

In addition to lane expansion, the project includes a comprehensive upgrade of Interchange No. 7 on Emirates Road. This will involve the construction of six directional bridges covering a total length of 12.6 kilometres, capable of accommodating up to 13,200 vehicles per hour.

The development will also feature the construction of collector roads on both sides of Emirates Road, spanning 3.4 kilometres to better manage local traffic and enhance accessibility.

Timeline, cost, and expected impact

With an estimated budget of Dhs750m, the project is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and is expected to be completed within two years. The upgrades aim not only to regulate traffic flow but also to ensure the highest safety standards for all road users.

Once complete, commuters traveling from Ras Al Khaimah, through Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah to Dubai, and vice versa, can expect travel time reductions of up to 45 per cent. This improvement will benefit thousands of daily commuters and commercial transport operations, significantly enhancing the movement of goods and services across the UAE.

Addressing traffic congestion with innovative solutions

The Emirates Road project is considered one of the key solutions to the UAE’s traffic congestion challenges. By increasing road capacity and improving interchange efficiency, the initiative is poised to reduce traffic density and enhance the flow of vehicles along one of the most heavily trafficked federal roads.

The project will be executed in accordance with the highest international standards for infrastructure design and construction, ensuring optimal traffic efficiency, superior quality, and safety. It also aligns with the UAE’s broader strategy of implementing smart infrastructure solutions that contribute to sustainable urban development.

Government commitment to sustainable development

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized the project’s significance during its announcement. He stated, “This project represents a significant step toward realising the UAE’s vision of establishing an integrated road network that meets the needs of our population and supports economic growth.”

Al Mazrouei highlighted that enhancing road efficiency and upgrading key interchanges will reduce daily travel times, improve community satisfaction, and promote sustainable development by ensuring smooth traffic flow that enhances quality of life. He added that the project reflects the country’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions for improving transportation, reducing congestion-related emissions, and raising overall living standards.

Aligning with national and global goals

“This project is part of a comprehensive vision aimed at enhancing the country’s transport and road infrastructure network according to the highest engineering and technical standards,” Al Mazrouei explained. “It positions the UAE among the world’s leading nations in providing sustainable infrastructure that meets future needs and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

He also noted that the project will facilitate integrated logistics services, supporting the nation’s ambitions for economic diversification and growth.

Expert insights on implementation and benefits

Eng. Hassan Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, provided further details on the project’s implementation. “The development will follow the highest international standards in road and infrastructure planning, with a strong emphasis on ensuring long-term sustainability,” he said.

Al Mansouri pointed out that the improvements will significantly enhance traffic flow, particularly for transit movement between cities across the UAE. He reiterated the importance of Emirates Road as a vital federal highway managed by the Ministry, serving as a key artery for both passenger and freight transportation.

Conclusion

The Emirates Road capacity enhancement project stands as a critical investment in the UAE’s future transportation infrastructure. With its focus on increasing capacity, improving safety, and reducing congestion, the project will play a pivotal role in supporting the country’s economic development and quality of life for its residents. As it moves forward, the initiative is expected to serve as a benchmark for sustainable road infrastructure projects across the region.