New Moroccan Arabic models; MGX invests in OpenAI
Middle East AI News weekly digest...
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Welcome to this week’s Middle East AI News, brought to you by OnDemand, an innovative AI platform which enables you to fast-track AI product development and seamlessly integrate AI and IoT apps into your environment.
Lots to share this week, including OpenAI’s $6.6 billion funding round; Bayanat and Yahsat complete merger to create SPACE42; new rules for data centres importing US AI chips; and more details released on Oman’s $2 billion Future Fund!
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LLMs
MBZUAI builds Moroccan Arabic AI models
#Morocco #Arabic #LLMs – A team from MBZUAI France Lab has developed two large language models focused on Moroccan Arabic (Darija). Named Atlas-Chat-2B and Atlas-Chat-9B, the models outperform existing Arabic-focused models in Darija-specific NLP tasks by 13%, as part of G42's Jais LLM project. (Middle East AI News)
Investment
OpenAI closes $6.6bn funding with MGX and Microsoft
#UAE #funding - OpenAI has closed a $6.6 billion funding round, with investors including Thrive Capital, Khosla Ventures, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Abu Dhabi's MGX fund. MGX aims to grow its assets under management to $100bn, focusing on large-scale technology investments. (LinkedIn)
Oman unveils $2bn Future Fund projects
#Oman #funds - The Oman Investment Authority has announced new tech projects under its $2 billion Future Fund. Managed by partners including Cyfr Capital, Omantel, Tanmia and ITHCA, initiatives will focus on ecommerce, fintech, and drone technologies. (Oman Observer)
Space42
Space42 debuts on ADX after Bayanat-Yahsat merger
#UAE #SpaceTech - Space42 debuted on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange after the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat. The company combines geospatial analytics and satellite communications with AI to target global spacetech industry needs. (Zawya)
AI Chips
US to streamline AI chip imports for Middle East
#USA #AI - Middle Eastern data centre operators may soon be able to apply for general authorisations to import AI chips from U.S. vendors, according to the US Commerce Department. Current regulations require individual licences per order, causing delays. (Reuters)
AI Strategy
Moro Hub to develop Dubai Data and AI platform
#UAE #platforms- Digital Dubai has awarded Moro Hub a contract to develop the Dubai Data and Artificial Intelligence Platform. The platform will unify data sharing across the emirate to support innovation and economic goals. (Dubai Media Office)
Oman appoints AI-trained digital transformation ambassadors
#Oman #digitaltransformation - Oman will appoint digital transformation ambassadors in its 11 governorates. Trained in AI, they will champion digital initiatives as part of the national AI programme. (Muscat Daily)
R&D
Qatar launches Research Management Community
#Qatar #Research - The Qatar Research, Development and Innovation (QRDI) Council has launched a Research Management Community to create a collaborative R&D ecosystem, aiming to advance research management across the country. (Zawya)
Education
Future Skills Academy to upskill 1m people across the Arab world
#UAE #Education - Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation has launched the Future Skills Academy to upskill over one million people across the Arab world, promoting innovation and leadership. (Dubai Media Office)
Kuwait to train civil servants in AI for decision-making
#Kuwait #AI - Kuwait's Civil Service Commission will offer AI training to mid-level government employees. The programme will focus on data-driven decision-making and begin by the end of this month. (Arab Times)
Logistics
Maqta Gateway and Presight partner to boost AI logistics
#UAE #Logistics - Abu Dhabi Ports’ Maqta Gateway has partnered with G42’s Presight to develop AI solutions for trade and logistics, enhancing operational efficiency across the sector. (WAM)
Cloud
Ooredoo Qatar and Schneider Electric partner on digital transformation
#Qatar #DigitalTransformation - Ooredoo Qatar has partnered with Schneider Electric to launch a major digital transformation programme using AI and cloud solutions to drive efficiency and sustainability. (Zawya)
Data Centres
Saudi MIS signs deal to expand data centres by 64 MW
#Saudi #DataCenters - Saudi Arabia’s MIS has signed a deal with BSF Capital to expand the Saudi Data Centre Fund’s capacity by 64 MW, in a deal worth up to $670 million. (Tech Africa News)
Responsible AI
ADQ partners with Equity Lab for Responsible AI
#UAE #AI - ADQ has partnered with AI solutions provider EQTY Lab to drive the adoption of Responsible AI across its portfolio. ADNEC Group, Etihad Rail, and TAQA Group are among those expected to implement Equity Lab’s AI Integrity Suite. (Abu Dhabi Media Office)
Awards
Global AI Award launched by Dubai Quality Group
#UAE #AI - Dubai Quality Group has introduced the Global Artificial Intelligence Award, recognising innovations that enhance operational excellence and global competitiveness through AI. (Zawya)
Events
Generative AI forum in healthcare to be hosted in Riyadh
#Saudi #Healthcare - Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and King Saud University will host the Generative AI Forum in Health from October 21-23, bringing together leaders to explore GenAI healthcare applications. (SPA)
[ This newsletter was AI edited & human edited ]