Open Innovation, WWT $100m deal; Kuwait to form AI authority
Middle East AI News weekly digest...
Good morning!
Welcome to this week’s Middle East AI News!
A slightly shorter newsletter this week, as 2023 draws to a close. However, some interesting stories to share today, including Kuwait’s plans for an AI authority, Dubai-based Micropolis Robotics plans for a NYSE IPO, and the $100 million partnership deal announced between Abu Dhabi-based Open Innovation AI and World Wide Technology. Scroll down for these stories and more!
I’m not planning any live shows this week. However, Middle East AI News LIVE - THURSDAY DEEP DIVE will resume on Thursday January 11th, when I’ll be talking to the head of one of the region’s fastest growing AI companies!
Thanks for reading and best wishes for 2024.
/Carrington
Funding
Open Innovation, WWT sign $100m deal
#UAE #funding - One of the U.S.A.’s largest technology integrators, World Wide Technology (WWT), which recently established operations in the UAE, has announced a $100 million partnership deal with Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence technology startup Open Innovation AI. (Middle East AI News)
Micropolis Robotics to list on NYSE
#UAE #IPO - Dubai-based robotics manufacturer Micropolis Robotics plans to raise $37 million via an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange to raise $37 million. Micropolis develops autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for security and last mile delivery services. (Wamda)
Imaginario AI nets $1 million pre-seed funding
#Tunisia #USA #funding - US-Tunisian media production startup Imaginario AI, which uses AI to help process video and audio content, has closed a $1 million pre-seed funding round to help it scale internationally. The round was led by 216 Capital, alongside Blue Lake VC, Earthling Ventures, Comcast NBCUniversal, Techstars and a series of business angels. (Disrupt Africa)
Prosperity7 invests in diagnostics developer
#China #Saudi #funding - Prosperity7 Ventures, a subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, is to invest 100 million yuan ($14m) in Cispoly Bio-Tec, a Shenzhen-based developer of diagnostic technology. Funding will support R&D initiatives in gynecological diagnostics, and product innovation. (SCMP)
OpenAI talked to G42 for upcoming funding raise
#UAE #USA #funding - OpenAI is in early talks to raise a fresh round of funding at a valuation at or above $100 billion, according to Bloomberg News. OpenAI reportedly held discussions to raise funding for a new chip venture with Abu Dhabi-based G42, according to the report. (Reuters)
R&D
MBZUAI, United Al-Saqer Group sign R&D agreement
#UAE #healthcare - United Al-Saqer Group will fund a 10-year research endowment via Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to establish and sustain health research projects. (Zawya)
AI Strategy
Kuwait to form AI authority
#Kuwait #AIpolicy - Five Kuwaiti members of parliament have submitted a bill to establish a Public Authority for AI (PAAI) to deal with issues related to the organization and development of AI. Responsibilities of the new authority would include legislative, AI strategy, education and capacity building. (Arab Times)
Egypt plans Phase II of AI strategy
#Egypt #AIstrategy - Egypt is planning to begin the second phase of the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, according to the country's National Council for AI. The second, three year, phase of the strategy will implement initiatives across 6 sectors: governance, environment, information infrastructure, data, human resources, and technology. The first phase will end in May 2024. (Egypt Today)
Innovation
Aramco and Intel to open wireless access CoE
#Saudi #networks - Aramco Digital, the technology subsidiary of Saudi Aramco, and chip maker Intel, will open Saudi Arabia's first wireless access center. The center will focus on the development and implementation of open wireless access network technologies, fostering collaboration between Aramco Digital and Intel engineers, researchers, and industry experts. (Arab News)
Healthcare
Bahrain AI project to help drug addicts
#Bahrain #addiction - Bahrain is using AI to monitor and increase recovery rates from drug addiction. The first of its kind in the world, the AI system helps policymakers to understand the variables and factors that affect the behaviour of addicts, aiding decision-making. (Bahrain Daily Tribune)
Digital Transformation
Riyadh Air signs digital partnership with Accenture
#Saudi #aviation - Riyadh Air signed a three-year partnership with Accenture, to support its goal of becoming a digitally-driven airline. Accenture will spearhead the establishment of Riyadh Air's cloud-centric infrastructure, cybersecurity measures and managed services. (ET)
Environment
The Environment Agency partners with envirotech company
#UAE #environment - The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and ADQ, have partnered with Dendra, an international environmental technology company, to leverage advanced seeding drones, and AI technologies to assess and restore terrestrial and coastal ecosystems across Abu Dhabi. (Abu Dhabi Media Office)
