Amazon launches Alexa in KSA, UAE; The Emirates positive on AI
Good morning!
Here’s your weekly roundup of Middle East AI News!
Amazon has introduced local versions of its virtual voice assistant Alex to the Arab world for the first time, launching services in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, together with a Gulf Arabic - or Khaleeji - interactive AI voice.
Scroll down for more on Alexa, plus stories on hydrogen trucks, Jordan's plans to develop AI ethics guidelines and how the UAE feels about AI!
Stay safe and have a great weekend! (And, if you live in the UAE, you may only have four Friday/Saturday weekends left before the country switches weekend days!)
/Carrington
AI Voice
Amazon launches Arabic-speaking Alexa in Saudi Arabia and the UAE — www.arabnews.com
#Saudi #UAE #Alexa - This week Amazon launched its virtual assistant service, Amazon Alexa, in Saudi Arabia and the UAE offering customers an all-new, localised language experience in an Arabic Gulf or Khaleeji dialect. Amazon gave content and service providers early access to the Alexa Skills Kit (ASK) in order to have local Arabic skills available on launch. (Arab News)
Autonomous Vehicles
Aramco and Gaussin to develop remote-controlled, autonomous hydrogen racing truck — www.pmw-magazine.com
#Saudi #France #AVs - Aramco has signed an agreement with French pioneer in intelligent transport Gaussin to plan to establish a modern manufacturing facility for on-road and off-road hydrogen-powered vehicles in Saudi Arabia. Aramco’s Advanced Innovation Center (LAB7) will also be closely involved in Gaussin’s development of a remote controlled/autonomous hydrogen racing truck. (PMW Magazine)
Gaussin, Gam Qatar and GWC establish a partnership to trial yard automation solutions — www.gaussin.com
#Qatar #France #AVs - Gaussin has signed an agreement with Gam Qatar and logistics and supply chain solutions provider GWC, to test Gaussin’s zero-emission electric tractors and yard automation solutions in several GWC warehouses, including GWC Al WukairLogistic Park in Qatar. (Gaussin)
Ford conducts autonomous vehicle research with DP World — media.ford.com
#UAE #UK #ports - Ford Motor Company and DP World London Gateway have conducted a trial with a fake autonomous vehicle to explore the potential impact of automation on the recipients of courier services and doorstep deliveries. (Ford)
Maritime
Development strategy of Suez Canal revealed, AI center to be established — www.egypttoday.com
#Egypt #AI - Egypt's Suez Canal Authority will establish an Artificial Intelligence Centre to support decision-making and the modernisation of processes across all the authority's activities. About 25 percent of the total movement of goods globally passes through the Suez Canal. (Egypt Today)
AI Ethics
Jordan to draft AI ethics charter — petra.gov.jo
#Jordan #policy - Jordan has a committee to draw up a national charter for the ethics of AI, which will be compliant with the global recommendations of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) published last month. (Petra)
Digital Transformation
Weatherford awarded digital oilfield contract in Kuwait — www.saudigulfprojects.com
#Saudi #energy - Weatherford International plc has been awarded a three-year digital oilfield contract from Kuwait Oil Company, The project is to support KOC’s digital transformation strategy in North Kuwait Heavy Oil field. (Saudi Gulf Projects)
Opinion
UAE residents want automation in their homes, but not in health and education — www.thenationalnews.com
#UAE #AI - Almost three in ten (29%) consumers in the UAE feel that AI will have a “more positive than negative” impact on society. However, this number increases to 44% among those who claim to be well informed about AI, according to a new survey from market research and data analytics firm YouGov. You can download the full report here. (The National)
Agriculture
Government launches AI-enabled system to enhance agriculture process — dailynewsegypt.com
#Egypt #agritech - Egypt's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, have announced the trial of the 'Hudhud' smart assistant for farmers, an AI-powered Arabic mobile application that provides guidance to farmers. (Daily News Egypt)
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About Carrington Malin — www.carringtonmalin.com Carrington Malin helps large organisations, digital brands and fast growing tech ventures with brand, communications and go-to-market strategies.