Intelmatix secures funding; Open a UAE bank account with facial ID
Good morning,
Here’s your weekly roundup of Middle East AI News! Is there going to be a summer break? Going from the news, it doesn't seem so!
This week, we have startup news, news on developments in new Saudi drone regulations, the first CEO appointed to take the lead at TII in Abu Dhabi and the launch of the Learn AI Platform in the UAE. Plus, in news from Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, now UAE residents can open a new bank account using facial recognition!
Meanwhile, it's interesting to note that King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is stepping up its focus on robotics. The university is currently recruiting for a Professor of Robotics, Control and Locomotion and a Professor of Robotics and Data for Geo-Energy.
Scroll down for more.
Stay safe and have a great weekend!
/Carrington
Startup News
Saudi Arabian AI start-up Intelmatix secures funding from STV and Sultan Holdings — www.thenationalnews.com
#Saudi #US #funding - Saudi-US deep tech AI start-up intelmatix has just closed a funding round led by the region's largest venture capital fund STV and strategic investor Sultan Holdings. Intelmatix, was founded this year in Massachusetts, by MIT graduates Anas Alfaris and Ahmad Alabdulkareem and focuses on location intelligence. (The National)
Qatar's Airlift pilots food delivery robots — wired.me
#Qatar #fooddelivery - Doha-based startup Airlift Systems wants to reinvent the transportation of food—and, eventually, people—with an army of autonomous robots. The company launched a fleet of 5G-connected, triangle-shaped semi-autonomous vehicles, after facing difficulties getting authorisation to use drones for delivery. (WIRED ME)
Biometrics
Facial recognition in UAE: Now, open a bank account with a selfie — www.khaleejtimes.com
#UAE #biometrics - Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has become the first UAE bank to introduce the use of facial recognition to perform instant and highly secure verification for the opening of new bank accounts., According to the bank, the entire process can be completed in less than five minutes. (Khaleej Times)
Smart Cities
16 Smart Police Stations now operational in Dubai — gulfnews.com
#UAE #smartpolice -Dubai Police opened five new Smart Police Stations (SPS) across Dubai in 2020, it has been revealed by its General Department of Artificial Intelligence, bringing the total to 16 SPS at the end of 2020. The self-service stations are open 24/7 and offer 45 user-friendly smart services. (Gulf News)
R&D
Technology Innovation Institute appoints Dr Ray O. Johnson as CEO — www.information-age.com
#UAE #executivemoves - Veteran technologist and entrepreneur Dr Ray O. Johnson has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of Abu Dhabi's global applied research centre Technology Innovation Institute (TII). Dr Johnson brings over 40 years’ experience in global leadership in technology and venture capital to the institute. (Information Age)
AI Policy
Saudi Minister of CIT to participating in G20 Digital Economy ministers meeting today — www.spa.gov.sa
#Saudi #Italy #G20 - Saudi's Minister of Communication and Information Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha will participate in today's G20 Digital Economy Ministers Meeting under the Italian presidency (Saudi Arabia held the G20 presidency in 2020). The working sessions will include 'Trustworthy AI for MSME Inclusiveness and the Promotion of Startups'. (SPA)
Education
UAE sets up ‘Learn AI Platform’ to guide students pursuing artificial intelligence — gulfnews.com
#UAE #AIskills - The UAE National Programme for Artificial Intelligence has launched the Learn AI Platform to enhance student and youth awareness about the latest developments in the field of artificial intelligence and help to support the country's future demands for AI talent. (Gulf News)
Drone Regulation
Saudi Arabia developing regulatory framework for heavy-lift drones — www.arabnews.com
#Saudi #regulation - A regulatory framework for heavy-lift drones is being developed by the 'Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution' (4IR) in Riyadh, the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Transport and Saudi Aramco, according to Mansour Alsaleh, director of the 4IR centre. (Arab News)
Community
International Group of Artificial Intelligence formed together with GCC chapter — www.bahrainthisweek.com
#Bahrain #UAE #community - A new UK-registered global AI association, the ‘International Group of Artificial Intelligence’, has been established with its headquarters in Dubai. Headed up by its new president, Dr Jassim Haji, the group claims 500 members from more than 24 countries. (Bahrain News This Week)
Events
The UAE to host the 38th International Conference on Automation and Robotics in Construction — indiaeducationdiary.in
#UAE #construction - For the first time in the Arab world, the United Arab Emirates will host the 38th International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC) in Dubai from November 2 to 5, 2021.Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. (India Ed. Diary)
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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.