New Saudi GenAI accelerator; WeRide's ambitious UAE plans
New Saudi GenAI accelerator; WeRide's ambitious UAE plans
Middle East AI News weekly digest...
Good morning!
Welcome to this week’s Middle East AI News!
It maybe the last week in July, but there’s lots of technology news coming out of the Middle East!
Big news this week includes the launch of the region’s first startup accelerator for GenAI models in Saudi Arabia, with a goal of creating 300 new AI startups in three years; driverless taxi company WeRide’s disclosure that it expects to see hundreds of its taxis on UAE roads; and the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team unveil their car’s new colourful livery (designed with AI, of course!).
Scroll down for more AI news from across the region.
Thanks for reading!
/Carrington
Generative AI
New Saudi accelerator to create 300 AI startups
#Saudi #GenAI - The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the National Technology Development Program (NTDP), and New Native have launched GAIA, the first generative AI early-stage accelerator program in MENA, which is kicking-off a 10-week program. The GenAI accelerator aims to establish 300 new AI companies within 36 months . (Saudi Press Agency)
Autonomous Vehicles
WeRide to deploy hundreds of autonomous vehicles in UAE by 2025
#UAE #AVs - China's WeRide confirms to The National that it plans to deploy hundreds of autonomous vehicles in the UAE by 2025, following the receipt of the UAE's first preliminary license to operate self-driving cars. (The National)
Dubai students develop solar-powered driverless car
#UAE #AVs - Students at the Canadian University in Dubai have created a solar-powered driverless car for campus transport, featuring a novel navigation system and fully solar-powered operation. (The National)
R&D
Saudi Cabinet approves AI research & ethics centre
#Saudi #R&D - The Saudi government has approved the formation of the International Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics. Details have yet to be shared, but the new centre will be registered as a separate entity. (Arab News)
Economy
AI to contribute $135bn to Saudi economy by 2030: PwC
#Saudi #economy- Artificial intelligence is predicted to contribute $135 billion to Saudi Arabia's economy in 2030, making the Kingdom the biggest AI beneficiary in the Middle East, according to PwC. (Arab News)
Education
MBZUAI's AI internship attracts global STEM undergrads
#UAE #education- Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) hosts 34 STEM undergraduates from around the world for an inaugural one-month research internship. Students engaged in AI research in areas including sustainability, education, and healthcare. (Emirates News Agency)
Qatar government launches AI workshop
#Qatar #education - Qatar's Civil Service and Government Development Bureau has launched a three-day training program focusing on AI's role in boosting government efficiency, outlining opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations. (Zawya)
Morocco Flying Labs trains students in drone technology
#Morocco #drones - Morocco Flying Labs 'Fly for the Future' project is equipping students in rural areas with drone and robotics skills. So far, 65 students from National School of Applied Sciences, Oujda, have been trained. (Flying Labs Blog)
Public safety
AI to monitor UAE waters to prevent drownings
#UAE #safety- AI-based technology is set to help lifeguards monitor swimmers and identify risks in UAE waters. The system will be implemented by Dubai-based Blue Guard on several UAE beaches by year's end. (Khaleej Times)
Architecture
AI solutions to address Saudi's housing challenges
#Saudi #architecture - Saudi Arabia's housing challenges could be met with AI. Architects and engineers, including Maximiliano Development Management Services, believe AI holds significant potential in the advancement of architectural techniques. (Placeholder)
Outsourcing
HCLTech launches global delivery centre in Morocco
#Morocco #India #services - Indian IT giant HCLTech sets foot in Morocco with a new Global Delivery Centre (GDC) in Rabat. The centre will lead transformation projects in areas such as digitalisation, cloud, AI, and software. (TechCircle)
Justice
AI development in Egyptian courts
#Egypt #legaltech - President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has reviewed progress on integrating AI and advanced technologies into Egypt’s courts. Efforts aim at streamlining judicial processes for speedier performance. (Egypt Today)
Gaming
Saudi Arabia's ambitious push into gaming
#Saudi #esports - Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund has allocated nearly $40 billion to transform the kingdom into a global gaming hub by 2030. The fund has also become the biggest outside investor in Nintendo. (AP News)
Sports
NEOM McLaren unveils AI-designed livery
#Saudi #motorsport - The NEOM McLaren Formula E Team has revealed the world's first AI-designed motorsport livery, marking McLaren Racing's 60th anniversary. The design incorporates visions of the future from drivers and NEOM graduates. (Arab News)
Mercedes partners-G42 deal turns long-term
#UAE #motorsport - The Mercedes Formula One team partnership with Abu Dhabi-based AI and technology holding group G42 has turned into a strategic multi-year deal, as the team focuses on AI-delivered performance benefits. (The National)
Egyptology
Egypt applies AI for mummy restoration
#Egypt #Egyptology - Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, along with the Atomic Energy Authority, will use AI and nuclear techniques for the restoration of ancient mummies, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative. (Egypt Independent)
Retail
Russian autonomous coffee shop concept debuts in UAE
#UAE #Russia #foodtech - Russia's autonomous coffee shop, Click Coffee, opens a unit in Dubai. Equipped with smart coffee machines and robot barista technology, the shop can produce up to 80 customizable beverages per hour. (World Coffee Portal)
Defence
Turkey's drone diplomacy appeals to Gulf states
#Turkey #Saudi #drones - Turkey’s President Erdogan leverages drone diplomacy, with Baykar’s Akinci UAV sought after in Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia. The move could disrupt China's leading position in the sector. (Think China)
Morocco employs drones for defense against Polisario Front
#Morocco #defence- Morocco has been using drones, specifically Chinese-made Wing Loong models, to counter Polisario Front activities since late 2020, enhancing control in its southern provinces. (Morocco World News)