UAE launches post-quantum cybersecurity; Researchers propose 6G framework
Good morning!
Welcome to this week’s Middle East AI News email digest!
Lots of news to share this week! In this edition, Egypt rolls out new incentives to boost the semiconductor sector and aims to position itself as a renewable-powered global AI data centre hub; the UAE launches a sovereign post-quantum cybersecurity platform; Saudi Arabia expands AI-powered weather forecasting services for Hajj; and UAE researchers propose a framework for self-reasoning 6G telecom networks!
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Thanks for reading and Eid Mubarak!
/Carrington
Post-Quantum
UAE post-quantum security platform
#UAE #cybersecurity - The UAE Cyber Security Council and Abu Dhabi-based QuantumGate have launched the Crypto Discovery Tool to support national post-quantum migration. The sovereign platform continuously maps cryptographic assets across critical infrastructure and will underpin a new national index measuring quantum-readiness across public and private sectors. (Middle East AI News)
Research
UAE researchers propose agentic AI framework for 6G
#UAE #telecom - UAE University and Khalifa University researchers have proposed a new 6G architecture embedding reasoning-capable AI agents into telecom networks. The paper introduces a four-layer framework and the 6G-Bench evaluation platform, arguing that heterogeneous large language model deployment will be essential as global 6G standards move toward implementation. (Middle East AI News)
New Ventures
MBRIF backs UAE GovTech AI expansion
#UAE #govtech - Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) has issued a AED 1.5 million credit guarantee to UAE startup 01Gov. The financing will support expansion of the company’s AI-powered government platform and its agentic AI system. (Middle East AI News)
RedCloud launches Saudi FMCG AI venture
#Saudi #FMCG - RedCloud Holdings has launched a $30 million joint venture with Riyadh-based Kayanat to deploy AI-powered predictive intelligence across Saudi Arabia’s $68 billion FMCG market. The RAID platform uses specialist AI agents to support distributors, retailers and consumer brands. (Middle East AI News)
Semiconductors
Egypt backs semiconductor export growth
#Egypt #semiconductors - Egypt’s Export Development Fund and ITIDA have launched a seven-year incentive programme supporting semiconductor design, embedded systems and electronics exports. The initiative rewards companies based on export growth and job creation, aiming to attract multinational investment and incentivise employment across the technology sector. (Middle East AI News)
Data Centres
Egypt targets AI data hub with green energy
#Egypt #datacentres - Egypt is advancing plans to become a global AI data centre hub powered by renewable energy. The Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy is supporting a major international project in the New Administrative Capital, aligned with Egypt’s target of generating 45 per cent of electricity from renewable sources by 2028. (State Information Service)
Education
Manipal opens Dubai AI innovation lab
#UAE #education - Manipal Academy of Higher Education has opened the NEXORA AI Lab in Dubai to support practical AI development among students. Current projects include virtual avatars, biometric systems and intelligent retail tools, with future plans for quantum computing. (Middle East AI News)
Finance
Klivvr launches Egypt fintech AI assistant
#Egypt #fintech - Klivvr has launched K.ai, described as Egypt’s first interactive AI financial assistant integrated into a fintech application. The conversational tool helps users analyse spending, compare offers and estimate instalments. The launch follows more than $10 million in technology investment, with Klivvr now serving over 700,000 users. (Zawya)
Hajj
Saudi expands AI weather tools for Hajj
#Saudi #Hajj - Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology is expanding AI-powered forecasting services for the Hajj season. The centre’s Bayan forecasting model delivers predictions within seconds, while multilingual digital tools and AI-generated audio forecasts are improving weather awareness and communication for millions of pilgrims in Jeddah and surrounding areas. (Saudi Gazette)
Policy
Algeria advances national AI & Dzair rollout plans
#Algeria #digitalgovernment - Algeria’s government has reviewed implementation progress on its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy while advancing deployment of the Dzair Digital Services portal. The platform has completed cybersecurity testing and pilot programmes ahead of launch with 52 digital public services supporting the country’s wider digital transformation agenda. (Middle East AI News)
Beauty
Morocco beauty sector adopts AI tools
#Morocco #beauty - Morocco’s beauty industry is increasingly integrating AI-powered skin analysis technologies to deliver more personalised treatments. At the Cosmetista Expo North and West Africa in Casablanca, companies demonstrated tools capable of assessing skin conditions within seconds. (The Voice of Africa)