UAE government pioneers AI system; Mistral AI seeks MGX funding
Middle East AI News weekly digest...
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Welcome to this week’s Middle East AI News email digest, brought to you by big data analytics and AI company Presight!
This week, the UAE sets the pace for AI-powered government reform with the introduction of a pioneering Proactive Government Performance System that could improve government performance by 60%! Meanwhile, Bloomberg reports that French AI startup Mistral AI is seeking funding from Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund, and Egyptian financial services firm Beltone launches a new AI subsidiary called Robin!
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Government
UAE pioneers AI-powered government performance
#UAE #government – The UAE has announced the world’s first AI-powered Proactive Government Performance System, expected to improve performance by 60% and save over 250,000 hours annually. Tracking 150 million data points monthly, the system supports the 'We the UAE 2031' strategic vision. (Middle East AI News)
Morocco steps up ethical AI development
#Morocco #governance – Morocco is advancing its national AI strategy with new agreements focused on education, digital sovereignty, and responsible AI. A central initiative sees the Ministry of Digital Transition partnering with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University to build local capacity and ethical AI governance. (Morocco World News)
Funding
Dubai smart lens startup XPANCEO achieves unicorn status
#UAE #deeptech – Dubai-based XPANCEO has raised $250 million in Series A funding in a round led by Opportunity Venture (Asia), reaching a $1.35 billion valuation. The startup develops AI-powered smart contact lenses for AR, health tracking, and night vision features. (Middle East AI News)
Mistral AI in talks with MGX for participation in $1 billion raise
#France #funding – Paris-based Mistral AI is in talks to raise up to $1 billion in equity, with Abu Dhabi’s MGX among the potential investors, according to Bloomberg. The move would further deepen France–UAE AI ties. (Middle East AI News)
R&D
Qatar Shell, QASR partner on AI reservoir tech
#Qatar #energy – Qatar Shell has partnered with QASR Technologies, a Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) spinout, to advance AI-based reservoir analysis. The 12-month project will optimise pressure and flow simulations in oil and gas, improving decision speed and accuracy. (Middle East AI News)
King Saud University, KAIST plan joint AI institute
#Saudi #research – Saudi Arabia’s King Saud University is in discussions with South Korea’s KAIST to launch a joint AI research institute. The collaboration would focus on open-source models and industrial AI applications, building stronger R&D ties between the Middle East and Northeast Asia. (Middle East AI News)
Data Centres
Morocco to build 500MW green data centre in Dakhla
#Morocco #datacentres – Morocco will build a 500 megawatt data centre in Dakhla, Western Sahara powered by renewable energy. The facility will support data sovereignty and is part of Morocco’s ongoing $1.22 billion digital modernisation strategy. (Reuters)
Innovation
G42 launches AI product to cut procurement costs
#UAE #innovation – G42’s product development company Inception has introduced its first commercial AI product, (In)Business Procurement. The tool has already slashed G42’s procurement cycle times by 40% and reduced costs by up to 10%, according to the Abu Dhabi-based group. (Middle East AI News)
Beltone Holding launches AI subsidiary Robin
#Egypt #finance – Beltone Holding has launched Robin, a new AI and data science subsidiary. Robin will deliver analytics, enterprise advisory, and executive upskilling, supporting Beltone’s ambition to lead AI innovation across Egypt and the MENA region. (Middle East AI News)
Omnix launches AI-first IT services
#UAE #services – UAE-headquartered Omnix International has introduced AI-first managed services, embedding automation and predictive analytics into IT operations. The new portfolio targets sectors including government, healthcare, and finance with scalable, intelligent solutions. (Zawya)
Smart Cities
Qatar trials driverless robotaxis
#Qatar #robotaxis – Qatar’s Ministry of Transport has begun trials of level-4 autonomous electric robotaxis. Full-scale public passenger services are planned for 2026, making Qatar one of the first regional adopters of self-driving public transport. (Qatar Day)
Oman deploys smart AI traffic systems
#Oman #transport – The Royal Oman Police are rolling out AI-powered traffic monitoring systems to enhance road safety. The network uses smart cameras and real-time analytics to detect speeding and mobile phone use while automating law enforcement responses. (Oman Observer)
Education
Abu Dhabi University expands AI programmes
#UAE #education – Abu Dhabi University has launched 21 new programmes, including AI, cybersecurity, and game design, bringing its total offering to 65. The move supports national goals for tech talent development and positions ADU as a digital education leader. (Middle East AI News)
University of Nizwa unveils AI Chair
#Oman #education – Oman’s University of Nizwa has launched the country’s first Chair for Artificial Intelligence Applications. The initiative will boost AI research, innovation, and digital transformation, helping Oman build its knowledge economy and academic capacity. (Times of Oman)
Healthcare
Aster Clinics launch UAE’s first AI dental tool
#UAE #healthcare – Aster Clinics has introduced Smyl AI, the UAE’s first AI-powered dental screening service. The tool offers free oral health assessments via WhatsApp in under two minutes, improving access and early detection for patients.(Zawya)
Digital Transformation
UAE to lead AI integration in satellite rescue
#UAE #space – The UAE has been selected to chair a new international committee focused on integrating AI into COSPAS-SARSAT, the global satellite search and rescue system. The effort aims to modernise emergency response with intelligent automation. (Emirates News Agency)
Sports & Culture
Qatar Museums launches AI-guided art tours
#Qatar #culture – Qatar Museums has unveiled an AI-powered interactive art tour, providing visitors with personalised cultural experiences in Doha. The initiative blends conversational AI and local curation to reimagine how audiences explore heritage and contemporary art. (The Peninsula)
G42, UAE Team unveil AI-powered cycling helmet
#UAE #sports – G42 and UAE Team Emirates-XRG have launched the world’s first cycling helmet powered by generative AI, created with helmet maker MET. Debuting at the Tour de France, the innovation supports performance analysis and fan engagement through cutting-edge AI integration. (Emirates News Agency)
AI Diplomacy
Kuwait, Saudi Arabia to align on AI and IoT
#Kuwait #policy – Saudi Arabia’s Artificial Intelligence Governance Association (AIGA) and Kuwait’s Association of Artificial Intelligence of Things (AAIOT) have signed a new agreement to enhance cooperation on AI and IoT. The partnership will harmonise standards and promote ethical innovation across the region’s technology sectors. (KUNA)
[ This newsletter was AI edited & human edited ]