ChatGPT outage hits users in India and UAE on Wednesday morning
Users of OpenAI's popular ChatGPT in India and the UAE reported issues early on Wednesday morning around 5am, with many experiencing difficulties accessing chat history and prolonged loading times for commands.
According to Downdetector, a platform that monitors website outages, 82 per cent of users globally reported an outage.
Users attempting to access the service were also met with an 'unable to load projects' message.
OpenAI acknowledged the problem on its official
The company also said it was 'working on implementing a mitigation' to address the problems.
Services were back by 7am local time.
The chatbot also previously experienced issues on
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sharjah 24
2 minutes ago
- Sharjah 24
Sheraa launches new edition of S3
Designed to empower founders to scale their businesses, the programme offers an array of benefits and services, including access industry expert advisory, funding opportunities, essential resources, specialised mentorship, and software tools valued at over AED 3 million. Applications are open until September 7, 2025 Applications are open until September 7, 2025, with 20 selected startups embarking on an intensive four-month journey. Participants will gain practical experience, tailored guidance, and access to Sheraa's extensive network of investors and strategic partners. S3 provides a holistic environment that equips startups to shape their growth strategies, create customised playbooks, and accelerate their path to scale. The programme welcomes applications from UAE-based startups operating across Sheraa's four priority sectors: EdTech, Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing, and Creative Industries. Startups looking to join can apply through: Her Excellency Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: 'Sharjah Startup Studio S3 is a continuation of our commitment to backing entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools, resources, and confidence to scale their businesses. Through this programme, we support startups in advancing their current business models and expanding their operations to become key contributors to local, regional, and global economies. By empowering founders, we're reinforcing Sharjah's and the UAE's position as leading hubs for entrepreneurship and innovation on the global stage.' Structured around three core pillars: Scaling, Supporting, and Securing The programme is structured around three core pillars: Scaling, Supporting, and Securing. Under the Scaling pillar, startups gain access to Sheraa's 'Centres of Excellence' network and warm partner introductions, established to drive innovation-led economic growth in the region. This access helps founders strengthen internal operations, scale their teams, and manage growth with efficiency and confidence. The Supporting pillar focuses on honing founders' skills in investor relations, pitch preparation, and securing strategic investments that enable long-term growth. Meanwhile, the Securing pillar offers a practical roadmap for building strong business networks, complemented by workspace solutions and credits for essential services to help startups thrive. S3 also connects founders with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders in an environment designed for collaboration and knowledge exchange. This exposure helps startups align their products with market needs and accelerates their journey toward sustainable growth. Recognising that access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges for early-stage companies, S3 prioritises facilitating connections with investors and providing strategic guidance to help startups secure funding and expand into new markets. Previous cohorts have already demonstrated significant impact, with alumni successfully scaling their operations and entering new markets through the comprehensive support ecosystem. Received over 2,300 applications for its 2024 cohort Sharjah Startup Studio received over 2,300 applications for its 2024 cohort. This strong demand underscores the studio's rising stature as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship, and its ability to attract high-quality ventures that are shaping Sharjah's and the UAE's knowledge economy.
Zawya
2 minutes ago
- Zawya
Sheraa launches the new edition of S3: A launchpad for startups scaling from Sharjah
RELATED TOPICS UAE RELATED COMPANIES Alsheraa Air Con Deadline for applications is September 7, 2025 A four-month journey of working side by side with founders to shape their growth strategies, create customized playbooks, and accelerate their path to scale. S3 Enables Access to Funding and Helping Startups Expand into New Markets Sharjah, The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) is inviting early-stage UAE-based startups to apply for the latest edition of its flagship Sharjah Startup Studio (S3) program. Designed to empower founders to scale their businesses, the program offers an array of benefits and services, including access industry expert advisory, funding opportunities, essential resources, specialized mentorship, and software tools valued at over AED 3 million Applications are open until September 7, 2025, with 20 selected startups embarking on an intensive four-month journey. Participants will gain practical experience, tailored guidance, and access to Sheraa's extensive network of investors and strategic partners. S3 provides a holistic environment that equips startups to shape their growth strategies, create customized playbooks, and accelerate their path to scale. The program welcomes applications from UAE-based startups operating across Sheraa's four priority sectors: EdTech, Sustainability, Advanced Manufacturing, and Creative Industries. Startups looking to join can apply through: HE Sara Abdelaziz Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, said: 'Sharjah Startup Studio S3 is a continuation of our commitment to backing entrepreneurs, equipping them with the tools, resources, and confidence to scale their businesses. Through this program, we support startups in advancing their current business models and expanding their operations to become key contributors to local, regional, and global economies. By empowering founders, we're reinforcing Sharjah's and the UAE's position as leading hubs for entrepreneurship and innovation on the global stage.' The program is structured around three core pillars: Scaling, Supporting, and Securing. Under the Scaling pillar, startups gain access to Sheraa's 'Centers of Excellence' network and warm partner introductions, established to drive innovation-led economic growth in the region. This access helps founders strengthen internal operations, scale their teams, and manage growth with efficiency and confidence. The Supporting pillar focuses on honing founders' skills in investor relations, pitch preparation, and securing strategic investments that enable long-term growth. Meanwhile, the Securing pillar offers a practical roadmap for building strong business networks, complemented by workspace solutions and credits for essential services to help startups thrive. S3 also connects founders with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders in an environment designed for collaboration and knowledge exchange. This exposure helps startups align their products with market needs and accelerates their journey toward sustainable growth. Recognizing that access to capital remains one of the biggest challenges for early-stage companies, S3 prioritizes facilitating connections with investors and providing strategic guidance to help startups secure funding and expand into new markets. Previous cohorts have already demonstrated significant impact, with alumni successfully scaling their operations and entering new markets through the comprehensive support ecosystem. Sharjah Startup Studio received over 2,300 applications for its 2024 cohort. This strong demand underscores the studio's rising stature as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship, and its ability to attract high-quality ventures that are shaping Sharjah's and the UAE's knowledge economy.
Zawya
2 minutes ago
- Zawya
SelfDrive Mobility launches ‘Rent to Own' in the UAE with cars directly from the dealership
Latest service offers flexibility and customer control as customers can now move from rental to full ownership at any time within first 12 months from their rentals Dubai, United Arab Emirates – SelfDrive Mobility, a leading mobility tech company, has launched a disruptive 'Rent to Own' service, enabling UAE customers to seamlessly transition from renting to owning through fixed monthly payments, with zero hidden costs, no interest, and absolutely no paperwork hassles or security checks. Customers also have the flexibility to return or buy the car before their contract ends. Under this game-changing model, customers have the flexibility to drive a vehicle for a month before deciding whether to purchase it, offering a seamless transition from rental to ownership. Existing SelfDrive customers also have the option to upgrade their monthly rental plan to the Rent-to-Own model on select car models. All SelfDrive vehicles are dealer-maintained, and the purchase price includes insurance, replacements, servicing, and maintenance. Additionally, participation in the program does not impact the customer's credit history. According to a recent Global Media Insight report, 85 per cent of the UAE's 10 million-plus population is expatriates, with many residents maintaining lifestyles and work arrangements that do not align with traditional car ownership models. With more residents freelancing, working on short-term contracts, or enjoying flexible employment, creating new mobility solutions that meet evolving demands for flexible car ownership is key. Data from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) shows commercial vehicle registrations surged by 43 per cent in 2024 compared to the previous year. The number of registered rental companies also increased by 33 per cent, while rental fleets expanded from 49,725 vehicles to more than 71,000. High-end rentals increased by 73 per cent and the number of EVs grew by 50 per cent. These changes indicate a clear shift toward premium and sustainable mobility options. SelfDrive Mobility's Rent-to-Own service directly responds to these trends, offering a new route to car ownership that combines the convenience of a rental with the security of purchase. Through the company's mobile application, customers can choose from 2024 and 2025 models, including popular sedans and SUVs from brands like Geely, Skoda, and Bestune. All with transparent pricing inclusive of insurance, maintenance, and customer support. Meeting UAE Residents' Evolving Mobility Needs The latest service enables customers to initiate a rental but have the option to purchase it at any point within the first 12 months, offsetting their monthly payments against the purchase price. Unlike traditional lease-to-own options, which often involve interest charges and unclear terms, SelfDrive Mobility's model is transparent and interest-free. The only non-refundable payment is the initial downpayment, which ensures commitment without penalising flexibility. 'The UAE's mobility landscape is rapidly changing,' said Soham Shah, Founder and CEO of SelfDrive Mobility. 'More than three million people in the UAE work in freelance or contracted roles, according to recent government employment statistics. These professionals need transportation solutions tailored to their unique requirements. 'Rent to own' provides customer control, clarity, and flexibility, with no hidden surprises.' The service also makes car ownership more accessible to younger demographics and new residents. According to a recent YouGov survey, nearly 60 per cent of UAE residents between the ages of 25-40 prefer flexibility. They want the ability to switch between short-term use and ownership without long-term financial commitments. Furthermore, the UAE Central Bank reported that more than 40 per cent of personal car loan applications were declined in the past two years due to strict credit checks and income verification. SelfDrive Mobility addresses this gap by eliminating financing requirements. To help customers evaluate their options, the company has launched a Rent-to-Own calculator exclusively on the website, allowing customers the opportunity to compare long-term rental costs with ownership, factoring in bundled services such as insurance and maintenance to help make informed decisions. Unlocking Car Ownership for a Wider Audience in the UAE Currently available exclusively in the UAE and with plans for regional expansion, SelfDrive is lowering traditional barriers to car ownership and empowering the country's diverse population to choose mobility on their terms. 'Rent to own' represents a forward-looking solution that supports the UAE's vision of tech-driven, accessible urban mobility for all. About SelfDrive Mobility: SelfDrive Mobility, established in 2017 in the UAE, has rapidly grown into a leading mobility tech company, offering smart mobility solutions with maximum flexibility. With operations across the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, KSA, the UK, Ireland, and Turkey, SelfDrive Mobility has served more than 1.5 million customers from 95 different nationalities. The platform provides unique access to more than 100 car models from 50+ renowned brands directly from dealerships, ensuring a perfect match for every customer's needs. Media Contact: Selfdrive@
