New open-source TTS model; Saudi launches air taxis for Hajj
Middle East AI News weekly digest...
Good morning!
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.
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Meanwhile, another innovative UAE-based AI startup Camb.ai has released a new version of its synthetic speech emulation model, MARS5 to open-source. Dubai announced that it had appointed 22 Chief AI Officers for government departments and authorities. Two new $100 million funds targeting AI startups and scaleups were announced. And Saudi Arabia has just announced the region’s - and, in fact, probably the world’s - first passenger-carrying air taxi service!
Scroll down for more news!
No Middle East AI News LIVE - THURSDAY DEEP DIVE today, but you can listen to audio recordings of previous shows in the newly updated Podcast section, on Spotify and also via YouTube.
Thanks to OnDemand and thank you for reading! And an early Eid Mubarak!
/Carrington
Product Development
CAMB.AI announces MARS5 speech emulator
#UAE #syntheticspeech - Dubai-based live video dubbing platform Camb.ai has announced the arrival of its new synthetic speech emulation model, MARS5. Whilst the model can accurately replicate vocal performances in over 140 languages, the company has chosen to open-source the English language version of MARS5, which combines a Mistral-style autoregressive model with a novel non-autoregressive model to provide a new level of prosody in voice emulations. (Middle East AI News)
SCAI announces AI sports management suite
#Saudi #sports - Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) has announced SportNative, a cutting-edge AI-driven sports product suite. The software is designed to help enhance players’ performance, optimize strategies, and transform the fan experience. The solution consists of three innovative products: SportNative Platform, SportNative Scout, and SportNative Venue. (SPA)
Advanced Air Mobility
Saudi Arabia launches air taxi services for Hajj
#Saudi #airtaxis - Saudi Arabia has announced a pioneering driverless air taxi service for pilgrims during this year’s Hajj season, according to a report from the state news agency. When implemented, this will be the world's first full passenger service using electric vertical take off and landing aircraft. (Arab News)
Jetoptera conducts UAE test flights
#UAE #eVTOL - American electric vertical take off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer Jetoptera, and UAE company Eanan Al Samma, have conducted test flight's of Jetoptera's autonomous box-wing eVTOL. The cargo aircraft, which is still in development, will be able to carry payloads of up to 50 kg. (Globalnewswire)
Funding
New $100 million Qatar fund targets AI and emerging tech
#Qatar #funding - Rasmal Ventures, Qatar’s first independent venture capital firm, has unveiled its inaugural fund, Rasmal Innovation Fund, One. The fund is targeting $100 million, with $30 million already committed. The fund will invest in pre-Series A to Series B ventures in the Middle East and North Africa, with a focus on AI, climate and energy tech, fintech, supply chain logistics, and B2B SaaS. (Gulf Business)
New $100 million AI startup fund launched in Dubai
#UAE #funding - The organisers of the Machines Can See Summit, Polynome Group, this week announced a $100 million fund for AI startup companies starting from the first quarter of 2025. The announcement was made at the Dubai AI Retreat on Tuesday at the Museum of the Future. (Zawya)
AI Strategy
22 Chief AI Officers appointed by Dubai Government
#UAE #digitaltransformation - Dubai's Crown Prince and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, yesterday announced the appointment of 22 Chief AI Officers for Dubai government entities. (Middle East AI News)
Dubai Municipality unveils new AI roadmap
#UAE #AIstrategy - Dubai Municipality unveiled its ‘Artificial Intelligence Roadmap’ as part of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, at the Dubai AI Retreat this week. The roadmap will dedicate AI tools to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness across operations, lower harmful emissions, boost sustainability and reduce dependence on labour. (Dubai Media Office)
AI Diplomacy
UAE and US work towards shared AI policy
#UAE #US #AIdiplomacy - UAE National Security Advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed has concluded a three-day visit to Washington, D.C. last week, as the UAE and U.S. work towards a common policy framework that protects intellectual property and data. (The Circuit)
AlOlama optimistic about future access to AI chips
#UAE #AIchips - The UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, this week voiced optimism about future U.S. decisions on sharing technology with the UAE, and the opportunity to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries. He made the comments when talking to Bloomberg TV. (LinkedIn, Bloomberg TV)
Banking
ACDB and Add Value Machine run first banking hackathon
#UAE #banking - Add Value Machine (AVM) a provider of secure generative AI platforms - and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), one of the largest banks in the UAE, have successfully concluded the country's first AI Hackathon for banking. The hackathon explored the potential of generative AI in the banking sector. (Yahoo!)
AI Policy
UAE approves Ethical Charter for AI
#UAE #AIcharter - The UAE Cabinet of Ministers yesterday approved an Ethical Charter for the Development and Use of AI. The Charter sets out to preserve the respect of human values and ensuring fair and safe treatment for all members of society. 12 principles in the document define how AI should be used, ethically and responsibly. (LinkedIn)
Education
Dubai to upskill teachers in AI
#UAE #skills - Dubai plans to upskill all teachers in AI, according to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai commenting on social media this week. The emirate aims to create an educational system with new tools and enhanced learning. The Crown Prince promised to honour the top teachers who integrate AI into their practices at next year's Dubai AI Retreat. (The National)
Law
Morocco judges adopt AI transcription
#Morocco #law - Moroccan courts have begum to use AI to transcribe the verdicts of court judges, instead of the judges writing the verdicts down manually. The software is expected to save judges time and help to improve efficiency. The Moroccan ministry of justice is currently drafting a law to regulate the use of AI. (TRT Africa)
Defence
Milrem Robotics opens UAE hub
#UAE #robotics - Milrem Robotics is expanding global operations with opening of an Abu Dhabi Office. EDGE acquired a majority stake in the unmanned ground vehicle manufacturer early last year. The new office will serve as a centre of excellence, R&D, and product development. Milrem Robotics will lead an trial to integrate UGVs into the UAE Armed Forces. (Zawya)
Corporate Moves
Al Jaber elected new chair of Presight
#UAE #corporate - ADNOC CEO and COP28 President Sultan Al Jaber, who is also the UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), has been elected as chairman of Abu Dhabi-listed big data analytics company Presight. (Zawya)
SCAI appoints new CEO
#Saudi #corporate - Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced the appointment of George Nazzi as its Chief Executive Officer. Nazzi has previously held key roles at Accenture, Google and McKinsey. (Enterprise News)