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  Abu Dhabi, UAE  — In a move set to redefine the global AI landscape, the United Arab Emirates and the United States have officially launched the  U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership , a strategic initiative to deepen cooperation in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. The announcement came during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit to Abu Dhabi earlier this month — a visit that carried both diplomatic weight and technological significance. This historic collaboration signals a new chapter in Emirati-American relations, already built on decades of mutual trust and strategic coordination across defense, energy, and economic development. But this time, the focus is squarely on the future: artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and securing critical technologies. Stargate UAE: The First Pillar of the Partnership At the center of this partnership is the launch of  Stargate UAE , an ambitious AI infrastructure initiative. Stargate UA...

  The United Arab Emirates has emerged as the undisputed global leader in digital transformation, securing top positions in AI readiness, telecommunications, and e-governance in 2024. According to the UN’s digital indices and Oxford Insights’ Government AI Readiness Index, the UAE’s strategy goes beyond technological adoption — it delivers real-world impact, efficiency, and sustainability on an unprecedented scale. A New Era of Digital Government The UAE processed an astounding 173.7 million digital transactions in 2024, serving over 57 million users with a 91% satisfaction rate. With 1,419 digital services available — 195 of which are classified as priority — the government has eliminated bureaucratic inefficiencies while enhancing accessibility. The financial benefits are staggering: digital initiatives saved users AED 368 billion and reduced government costs by AED 20 billion in just one year. AI-Driven Transformation Across Key Sectors In healthcare, AI-powered robotic pharmaci...

  The UAE has long positioned itself as a forward-thinking hub for innovation, and its latest venture —  Stargate UAE  — cements its role as a global leader in artificial intelligence. In partnership with  OpenAI, NVIDIA, Oracle, G42, and the U.S. government , this  1-gigawatt AI supercluster  in Abu Dhabi marks the first international deployment of OpenAI’s sovereign AI infrastructure. But what does this mean for the future of AI, global tech dominance, and the UAE’s strategic ambitions? Let’s break it down. The Birth of Stargate UAE: A First-of-Its-Kind AI Supercluster Stargate UAE isn’t just another data center — it’s a  massive AI compute cluster  designed to handle next-generation AI workloads. Scale:  At  1 gigawatt , it will be one of the world’s most powerful AI hubs, with an initial  200 megawatts  set to go live by  2026 . Strategic Location:  Positioned within a  2,000-mile radius  of nearly ...

  In a historic move that reverberates across the tech world, the United Arab Emirates has unveiled Falcon Arabic — a cutting-edge AI model meticulously crafted to master the linguistic richness of the Arab world. Developed by Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), Falcon Arabic stands as a testament to the UAE’s ambition to become a global AI powerhouse. Unlike many AI models that rely heavily on translated data, Falcon Arabic is trained on native Arabic datasets, capturing the full spectrum of the language’s dialects and nuances. This approach ensures a more authentic and accurate understanding of Arabic, setting it apart from other models that often overlook the language’s complexity. What makes Falcon Arabic truly remarkable is its efficiency. Despite its relatively compact size, it matches the performance of models ten times larger. This achievement underscores the UAE’s commitment to developing AI solutions that are not only powerful but also resource-effici...

  In a significant diplomatic development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Israel have agreed to facilitate the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. This agreement, announced on May 21, 2025, follows a phone call between UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Details of the Aid Initiative The initial phase of the aid plan aims to address the immediate needs of approximately 15,000 civilians in Gaza. The assistance package includes: Food aid to combat widespread hunger. Essential supplies for bakeries , ensuring the continued production of bread. Critical items for infant care , addressing the needs of the youngest and most vulnerable. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of a continuous supply to meet the ongoing needs of civilians in the region. Context and International Response The agreement comes amid escalating concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Since early Marc...

  The future of urban living is no longer a distant dream—it's being built right now in Abu Dhabi. By 2027, the UAE capital will unveil Aion Sentia, the world's first fully AI-powered cognitive city, marking a revolutionary leap beyond traditional smart cities. With a staggering $3.3 billion investment, this project promises to transform every aspect of urban life—from transportation and healthcare to governance and energy management—using self-learning, predictive AI that evolves alongside its residents. Unlike conventional smart cities that rely on static automation, Aion Sentia is designed to be cognitive, meaning it doesn't just collect data but learns from it in real-time, anticipating residents' needs before they even arise. At its core is MAIA (Mobile AI Assistant), an advanced AI application that acts as a personalized urban concierge. MAIA doesn't just respond to commands—it predicts them, whether that means automatically booking your anniversary dinner bas...

In November 2024, Sudan announced the cancellation of a $6 billion port development agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The project, known as the Abu Amama port, was to be constructed approximately 200 kilometers north of Port Sudan.  Sudanese Finance Minister Jibril Ibrahim stated that the decision was made due to allegations that the UAE was supporting the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in conflict with Sudan's national army.  Minister Ibrahim emphasized Sudan's commitment to its sovereignty, declaring that the country would not cede any part of its Red Sea coastline to foreign entities.   The port deal, signed in December 2022, was part of a broader investment package that included a free trade zone, agricultural projects, and a $300 million deposit to Sudan's central bank.  The UAE's involvement in Sudan's infrastructure was seen as a significant economic opportunity.  However, the Sudanese government's decision to t...

The French Embassy in Bahrain recently hosted a special event to celebrate the rich and diverse flavors of French cuisine.  This gathering brought together diplomats, local officials, and food enthusiasts to experience the elegance and artistry of French culinary traditions .  The event aimed to strengthen the cultural ties between France and Bahrain through the universal language of food.  Guests were treated to a variety of classic French dishes, showcasing the country's renowned culinary heritage.  From delicate pastries to savory entrees, the menu highlighted the skills of talented chefs dedicated to preserving and innovating French gastronomy.  The ambiance was enhanced by tasteful decorations and music, creating an immersive experience that transported attendees to the heart of France.  French Ambassador Jérôme Cauchard emphasized the importance of such cultural exchanges in fostering mutual understanding and appreciation between nations.  He not...

On May 8, 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain officially implemented a new Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.  This pact aims to provide a comprehensive legal framework that ensures full protection for investments and strengthens mutual investor confidence by guaranteeing fair and equitable treatment and providing clear mechanisms for dispute resolution.   The agreement underscores the importance of enhancing cooperation between the two countries in areas related to digital trade, including data protection, privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property rights, and electronic signatures and authentication.  It also promotes the exchange of best practices and the development of technical capacities.   Bahrain's Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, emphasized the significance of this agreement, stating that it opens new avenues of cooperation with the UAE, reflecting the strong and longstandin...

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has shown interest in making big investments in Bangladesh. This was shared during a meeting between the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Professor Muhammad Yunus, and UAE’s Minister Sheikh Nahayan Bin Mabarak Al Nahyan. The meeting took place in Dhaka and focused on ways to improve relations between the two countries. The UAE delegation said they want to invest in areas like energy, infrastructure, and trade. They believe Bangladesh has great potential for growth, and they want to be a part of that journey. The Chief Adviser welcomed this proposal and thanked the UAE for their support. One of the most important announcements was about visas. The UAE has started giving out 30 to 50 visit visas each day to Bangladeshi nationals. This is very helpful for people who want to travel to the UAE for work, business, or visiting family. Professor Yunus said that this decision will help improve the lives of many Bangladeshis. It will also increase people-to-people cont...

  The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant step by making artificial intelligence (AI) education compulsory for all students from kindergarten to grade 12 .  This initiative aims to equip young learners with the necessary skills to thrive in a future where AI plays a central role in various industries.  By integrating AI into the national curriculum, the UAE ensures that students are not only consumers of technology but also innovators and creators in the digital age.  To support this educational transformation, the UAE's Ministry of Education has partnered with ASI, a leading educational technology company, to develop an AI-powered tutor.  This virtual tutor is designed to provide personalized learning experiences, adapting to each student's individual needs and learning pace.  By offering real-time feedback and tailored educational content, the AI tutor aims to enhance student engagement and understanding across various subjects  . The ...

  On May 3, 2025, Yemen's Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak announced his resignation, citing political challenges and internal disagreements within the government.  He expressed frustration over his inability to implement necessary reforms and carry out a cabinet reshuffle, which he believed were essential for the country's progress.  Bin Mubarak's resignation underscores the ongoing political instability in Yemen, a nation already grappling with a prolonged civil war and humanitarian crisis.   Following his resignation, the Presidential Leadership Council swiftly appointed Salem Saleh bin Braik, the former finance minister, as the new prime minister.  Bin Braik's appointment comes at a time when Yemen faces significant economic challenges, including inflation, currency devaluation, and widespread poverty.  His experience in financial matters is seen as crucial in addressing these pressing issues.   Bin Mubarak's tenure as prime ministe...

Bahrain's Northern Governorate is making significant strides in public health by participating in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Healthy Cities Programme.  This initiative aims to enhance the health and well-being of communities through sustainable urban development and community engagement.  The governorate's efforts reflect a broader commitment to creating healthier environments for its residents.  In November 2024, a delegation from WHO conducted a three-day mission to the Northern Governorate as part of the healthy city evaluation process.  The team, including representatives from the Ministry of Health and WHO's regional offices, visited various sites to assess the governorate's adherence to the programme's criteria.  These criteria encompass nine domains, such as community organization, environmental health, and emergency preparedness.  To be recognized, a healthy city must meet at least 80% of the 80 indicators set by WHO's Regional Office for...

LuLu Hypermarket in Oman is once again hosting its much-anticipated Mango Mania Festival in 2025, offering a delightful experience for mango enthusiasts.  This annual event showcases a vast array of mango varieties, bringing together flavors from around the world to celebrate the beloved tropical fruit.  The festival features an impressive selection of over 75 mango varieties sourced from countries such as India, Yemen, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Kenya, Uganda, and local Omani farms.  Each variety offers unique tastes, textures, and aromas, catering to diverse preferences and introducing customers to both familiar and exotic mangoes.  Beyond fresh mangoes, LuLu Hypermarket enhances the festival experience with a range of mango-infused products.  Customers can indulge in mango-based treats available in the hot food, bakery, sweets, and pickles sections.  Offerings include mango preserves, smoothies, ...

At the COP28 climate summit in Dubai, Kazakhstan signed 20 agreements with international partners, totaling $4.85 billion.  These agreements focus on green energy, infrastructure, and digitization, highlighting Kazakhstan's commitment to sustainable development and its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.   A significant portion of the investment is directed towards renewable energy projects.  Notably, the UAE's Masdar will lead the construction of a 1 GW wind power station in northern Kazakhstan, a project valued at $1.4 billion.  Additionally, France's TotalEnergies plans to develop a 1 GW wind farm in the Zhambyl region, incorporating a 600 MWh battery storage system to ensure a stable power supply.   Furthering its renewable energy initiatives, Kazakhstan's Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund has partnered with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power to develop a 1 GW wind power project in the Zhetysu region, which will include an energy storage system....