Good morning!And welcome to the 100th edition of Middle East AI News!I started Middle East AI News nearly two years ago now, with an inaugural issue on February 6th, 2020. So, thanks for being a reader!This week, the UAE places R&D firmly on the national agenda with the newly formed Emirates Research and Development Council (ERDC) holding its first meeting. Investment in UAE R&D has increased significantly in recent years, but this is the first initiative to define national policy, priorities and aim to support local and global collaboration.Scroll down for lots more interesting news, including Oman's first cashierless store (see my Linkedin newsletter later this morning for more detail); Resecurity's new R&D centre in Riyadh; the launch of The UAE Coders' HQ; and a new laureate professor joins Abu Dhabi's graduate AI university.Meanwhile, a final FYI - the organisers of The International Cybersecurity Forum 2022 (due to take place in Riyadh from February 1st) have now postponed the event. New dates have yet to be announced.Stay safe and have a great day!/Carrington