Latest news with #AlGergawi


Arabian Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE gets Swiss robots and drones
Drone and robotics are evolving industry worldwide as well as in the Middle East where the UAE has taken a leadership role in gradually deploying them in government departments and public facilities – in addition to bringing in driver less vehicles and flying taxis – to transform its urban infrastructure into smart cities where drones, machines, robotics and AI will play a crucial role. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), that regulates the drone industry, has registered nearly 24,000 industrial- and commercial-grade drones as well as more than 100 business licenses dealing with the use of drones including renting and offering drone display services. Globally, 8.2 million drones were active in 2024, which is expected to grow to 9.5 million by 2029. In 2025, the global revenue in the drones market worldwide will reach US$4.4 billion, according to Statista, a global market intelligence provider. The global market for connected commercial drones is forecast to grow from US$18.6 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 15 percent to reach US$21.4 billion (Dh78 billion) in 2025 and US$37.3 billion in 2029, according to a research report. ADVERTISEMENT In 2023, the Dubai Government announced that it aims to increase the robotics sector's contribution to Dubai's GDP to 9 percent by 2032. The emirate wants to turn robotics into a Dh35 billion (US$9.5 billion) industry. As part of the Dubai Robotics and Automation (R&A) Program, 200,000 robots will be provided over the next 10 years until 2032, to increase efficiency and productivity in various sectors including services, logistics, and the industrial sector, and enhance the competitiveness of Dubai's economy. More than 20 billion robots will be serving 10 billion human beings by 2050, reshaping lifestyles, labour markets and societies, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs told delegates at the World Government Summit in February this year. Reflecting on the drastic changes in the last 25 years since the year 2000, Al Gergawi said, 'The world's population has grown to 8.2 billion today, and the global economy has expanded from $34 trillion to $115 trillion by 2024. International trade surged from $7 trillion to $33 trillion over the same period.' He highlighted the rapid growth of digital connectivity, with internet usage soaring from less than 7 percent of the global population in 2000 to over 60 percent today. 'In 2050, over 20 billion robots will assist humans, and the space economy is expected to reach US$4 trillion,' he said. Private sector businesses have started to bring in some of the best technologies in drones, robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, etc, that will help the UAE to realise its Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy that aims to strengthen the UAE's position as a global hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and to increase its contribution to the national economy by advancing innovation and future technologies. It also aims to position the UAE as a global model in adopting leading-edge technologies to serve society and achieve happiness and sustainability. While a number of global conglomerates are also entering and setting up their branches to introduce driverless cars, flying taxis and drone-led home delivery eco-system, others are appointing local companies as their sales and servicing agents who will deploy these technologies in the UAE and the region. ADVERTISEMENT With rapid transformation driven by the government's futuristic vision, the UAE will soon see large-scale deployment of robots across all public services ranging from courier to food delivery – that will push up the demand for robots and drones. Sigma Enterprises is bringing Swiss robots and drones for the GCC countries to protect critical infrastructure, assets and increase the flow of data for increased efficiency and cost reduction. Sigma Enterprises, a member of the Mazrui International, has taken a leadership role in bringing the latest Swiss robotics and drone technology to the GCC countries that are famous for precision data, surveillance supported by Artificial Intelligence that will play a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure including oil and gas, utility, nuclear power plant, manufacturing industries, airport and aviation assets, among others. Sigma Enterprises showcased the Swiss precision robotics and drones solutions from Anybotics, Flyability and Wingtra at the First Swiss Future Tech event held in Abu Dhabi recently. Sigma, which represents a number of global technology and engineering products in the Gulf, has acquired exclusive distribution rights for Swiss based Anybotics, Flyability and Wingtra in the UAE. It is currently deploying them with its customers offering end-to-end solutions, training and after-sales service. The introduction of world's best robotic technology from ANYbotics with Swiss precision by Sigma Enterprises in the region will boost the revenue in the robotics market to US$241.95 million in the UAE this year with service robotic dominating the market with projected market value of US$223.75 million. This is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.45 per cent to US$360.12 million by 2029. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Switzerland has exceeded US$2.5 billion, according to Dr. Arthur Mattli, Swiss Ambassador to the UAE. 'In an ever-evolving world, we are witnessing a quiet revolution through the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, robotics, data science, precision technology, innovation as well as he development of the drone technology,' Dr. Arthur Mattli said. 'With our shared ethics of precision and innovation, we can assure you that machines will not replace us but protect us. The accuracy of their data will determine the effectiveness of the new smart cities that are being built across the world. 'Sigma Enterprises' partnership with leading Swiss tech firms represents a significant collaboration between the two nations who share similar ideologies in innovation and technology. This partnership is a historic milestone in our relationship and marks the beginning of Emirati-Swiss collaboration that will strengthen the ties between the UAE and Switzerland. 'Today, we celebrate not just technology but also mission, collaboration, and the pioneering spirit that drives innovation forward. ANYbotics, Flyability, and Wingtra do not just build machines; rather, they are pioneers of the future. They combine innovation, artificial intelligence, and Swiss precision to develop smarter tools benefitting various industries,' Dr. Arthur Mattli concluded. ANYbotics is a fast-growing company with over 100 employees focused on supporting the inspection needs of workers in oil & gas, power, energy, mining, processing, chemicals, transportation, and construction. In 2023, SIGMA Enterprises signed an agreement to bring the latest robotics solutions from ANYbotics – one of the world's most renowned producers of industrial and commercial robots that play crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure. Since 2016, Swiss robotics company ANYbotics developed innovative, intelligent, and integrated robotic solutions that improve workers' lives, increase productivity, and support more sustainable industrial facilities. Partnering with global technology leaders, ANYbotics provides large asset operators with autonomous, automated, end-to-end robotic inspection solutions for complex, hazardous, and explosive industrial environments. Sigma Enterprises also has signed up with Flyability and Wingtra to deploy their latest drone technology that will play a great role in monitoring, surveillance, data analytics, preventive maintenance and help sustain the life-cycle of critical infrastructure and physical assets. Mr. Charbel Khoury, Group CEO of Mazrui International, said, 'Mazrui Group is a diversified business conglomerate with interests in trading, construction, services, real estate and oil and gas sector, with a legacy of more than five decades. We have been bringing the latest industrial solutions to help our economy with the best services and solutions. 'We are delighted to collaborate with ANYbotics, Flyability, and Wingtra to bring the latest improved technologies in challenging landscapes of industries like oil and gas, construction, chemicals, power and utilities, and metals in the UAE and broader GCC. Our partnership with these Swiss robotics and drone technology solutions providers will help us to strengthen the life-cycle of the region's critical infrastructure, reduce maintenance cost, and extend the life-cycle of assets and maximising profitability of businesses.' Flyability is a pioneer in the development of indoor drones designed to access and inspect hard-to-reach, hazardous environments — eliminating the need to send humans into dangerous spaces. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Switzerland, the company leads the market in commercial indoor drone technology, driven by continuous innovation and a strong focus on research and development. Flyability is transforming traditional inspection methods by enabling safe, efficient, and cost-effective visual data collection across industries. On the other hand Wingtra, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is the global leader in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones for professional surveying. Since launching in 2017, Wingtra has built a strong global presence, partnering with over 80 major surveying equipment dealers across 50+ countries. With a team of 100+ employees — over 40 dedicated to research and development, and many alumni of ETH Zurich — Wingtra designs, manufactures, and supports its products in-house. The WingtraOne drone, equipped with best-in-class sensors and PPK technology, delivers survey-grade aerial data with exceptional accuracy and efficiency, serving industries from construction and mining to environmental monitoring. Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.


Arabian Business
14-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai AI Week 2025 to host hackathons, AI Retreat, global championships and high-level summits
The inaugural Dubai AI Week will see a convergence of AI pioneers, innovators, decision-makers and industry leaders from over 100 countries, aimed to foster international collaboration, the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) announced. The global event, slated to be held from April 21 to 25, will spotlight the role of AI in reimagining government services, accelerating economic growth, and building future-ready societies. Organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence and overseen by the DFF, the 5-day event is expected to mark a pivotal moment in the UAE's mission to shape the global AI landscape. The landmark event is expected to generate a series of flagship initiatives, immersive experiences, and high-impact collaborations. Announcing the event agenda, Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of the Dubai Future Foundation, said Dubai has become a global destination for shaping the future of AI and a leading hub for the world's top tech companies in this fast-evolving field. 'Dubai AI Week marks a major milestone in the UAE's journey to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence across governments and industries. It reflects our commitment to advancing national strategies that put innovation at the heart of future-readiness, and to turning AI potential into practical, real-world impact,' he said. Al Gergawi said the AI Week will bring together brilliant minds from around the world to develop smart, scalable solutions that serve humanity and open new pathways for innovation and progress. It will also serve as a global platform to highlight best practices in AI adoption and inspire the next wave of ideas and experimentation, he said. The minister said the event will be a unique opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, showcase cutting-edge breakthroughs in AI, and explore how emerging technologies can support both economic growth and social advancement. Dubai AI Week attendance The Dubai AI Week will feature a lineup of key events across the city, ranging from high-level summits, exhibitions, hackathons and global competitions that are dedicated to advancing AI. The events include AI Retreat, Dubai Assembly for AI, Global Prompt Engineering Championship, Machines Can See Conference, Dubai AI Festival, Dubai AI Hackathon: Agentic AI, 8th International Conference on Education Quality, HIMSS Executive Summit, and AI in Schools – designed to introduce students and educators to AI concepts. Over 10,000 AI experts and participants are expected to attend the week-long event, which will host over 180 local and international speakers, more than 150 sessions and workshops, as well as over 140 activations. Capitalising on Dubai AI Week 's global appeal, the event is set to host over 25 global tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Meta, IBM, Gartner and Swift, besides welcoming over 15 country delegations showcasing their latest innovations in AI, including the US, South Korea, India, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Italy and Germany. The event's strategic partners for this year include Digital Dubai Authority, DEWA, Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy and the UAE AI Office, with global tech leaders and AI pioneers, such as Meta, IBM, Google, Microsoft, Gartner, OpenAI, Swift, Nvidia, Palantir, Cohere and ElevenLabs as additional partners.


Trade Arabia
17-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
10 megatrends shaping future; 50 key new opportunities
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has launched the fourth edition of the 'Future Opportunities: The Global 50' report, igniting global dialogues to harness promising opportunities and global trends in service of humanity's future. The report outlines 50 key opportunities across five critical areas: Health Reimagined, Nature Restored, Societies Empowered, Systems Optimised, and Transformational. These insights aim to drive growth, address emerging challenges, and prepare industries for a rapidly evolving future. The launch of this annual fourth edition brings the total number of future opportunities identified since the report's inception to 200, capable of generating over 1,000 actionable ideas across economic, societal, technological, and legal domains. 10 Megatrends Shaping the Future The report highlights ten megatrends that will significantly influence these opportunities: Materials Revolutions, Boundless Multidimensional Data, Technological Vulnerabilities, Energy Boundaries, Evolving Ecosystems, Borderless World–Fluid Economies, Digital Realities, Life with Autonomous Robots and Automation, Future Humanity, and Advanced Health and Nutrition. These trends are based on key indicators, including the expansion of 6G networks, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, advancements in energy technologies, and increased reliance on robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles. The Global 50 report provides insights into the potential impact of these opportunities across many vital sectors, including health, space, energy, transportation, data, and the global economy. Developed in collaboration with global experts and numerous DFF partners, the report serves as a strategic roadmap for navigating the future of industries and societies. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of DFF, highlighted the report's role as a call for collective action and the strengthening of effective partnerships to support individuals, institutions, and governments in transforming future opportunities into tangible achievements. 'The report embodies a platform for inspiring new ideas and future opportunities that support the global foresight ecosystem and open new horizons for designing the best possible future,' Al Gergawi stated. Al Gergawi also emphasised the need for proactive and strategic responses in a world of accelerating change. 'Foresight is not just about exploration or speculation. It is about deliberate action driven by the pursuit of growth, prosperity, and well-being. The future is not a fixed destination; it is an ongoing series of experiences shaped by intent and action. Anticipating change requires more than imagining scenarios; it involves exploring unfamiliar paths and maintaining an open mind. Success will come from reflecting, adapting, and acting decisively. Progress is built on agility, resilience, and the courage to innovate,' Al Gergawi explained. Health Reimagined Advancements in healthcare are redefining mental well-being, with brainwave-driven relaxation and AI-powered mental health solutions at the forefront. Pandemic response is accelerating through cutting-edge innovations, while nanotechnology is revolutionising precision medicine with targeted drug delivery. Digital twins are enhancing early disease detection, breath-based diagnostics are emerging, and fungi-based therapies are being explored to strengthen immunity. Nature Restored Smart technology and biomaterials are optimising sustainability, creating stronger connections between people and nature. 4D-printed habitats are enhancing biodiversity, while advanced filtration systems are improving water quality. Ocean energy is becoming a major renewable power source, and advancements in clean energy storage and marine byproduct repurposing are driving environmental restoration. Societies Empowered AI and automation are driving greater accessibility in healthcare and education. New policymaking approaches are reshaping governance, while career planning is becoming increasingly personalised. Expanding access to sustainable water and supporting female entrepreneurs are fostering economic inclusion. Meanwhile, advancements in fitness technologies, climate resilience strategies, and AI-driven social justice initiatives are paving the way for more equitable communities. Systems Optimised Efficiency is being redefined with energy-saving materials, new economic metrics, and open-access research. Industries are streamlining processes through personalised nutrition, optimised logistics, and faster patenting systems. AI-driven disaster prevention is enhancing global preparedness, while sustainable energy solutions are securing long-term resource stability. Transformational


Tahawul Tech
16-03-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
DFF launches fourth edition of ‘Future Opportunities: The Global 50' Report
Mohammad Al Gergawi: The report is a call for collective action and a platform to foster effective partnerships Dubai –Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has launched the fourth edition of the 'Future Opportunities: The Global 50' report, igniting global dialogues to harness promising opportunities and global trends in service of humanity's future. The launch of this annual fourth edition brings the total number of future opportunities identified since the report's inception to 200, capable of generating over 1,000 actionable ideas across economic, societal, technological, and legal domains. This year's report also explores the top 10 global megatrends that are set to positively impact the quality of life in communities, drive sectoral and economic development, and enhance governmental performance worldwide in the coming years and decades. These trends are based on key indicators, including the expansion of 6G networks, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, advancements in energy technologies, and increased reliance on robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles. The report outlines 50 key opportunities across five critical areas: Health Reimagined, Nature Restored, Societies Empowered, Systems Optimised, and Transformational. These insights aim to drive growth, address emerging challenges, and prepare industries for a rapidly evolving future. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of DFF, highlighted the report's role as a call for collective action and the strengthening of effective partnerships to support individuals, institutions, and governments in transforming future opportunities into tangible achievements. 'The report embodies a platform for inspiring new ideas and future opportunities that support the global foresight ecosystem and open new horizons for designing the best possible future,' said Al Gergawi. Al Gergawi also emphasised the need for proactive and strategic responses in a world of accelerating change. 'Foresight is not just about exploration or speculation. It is about deliberate action driven by the pursuit of growth, prosperity, and well-being. The future is not a fixed destination; it is an ongoing series of experiences shaped by intent and action. Anticipating change requires more than imagining scenarios; it involves exploring unfamiliar paths and maintaining an open mind. Success will come from reflecting, adapting, and acting decisively. Progress is built on agility, resilience, and the courage to innovate,' he added. Health Reimagined Advancements in healthcare are redefining mental well-being, with brainwave-driven relaxation and AI-powered mental health solutions at the forefront. Pandemic response is accelerating through cutting-edge innovations, while nanotechnology is revolutionising precision medicine with targeted drug delivery. Digital twins are enhancing early disease detection, breath-based diagnostics are emerging, and fungi-based therapies are being explored to strengthen immunity. Nature Restored Smart technology and biomaterials are optimising sustainability, creating stronger connections between people and nature. 4D-printed habitats are enhancing biodiversity, while advanced filtration systems are improving water quality. Ocean energy is becoming a major renewable power source, and advancements in clean energy storage and marine byproduct repurposing are driving environmental restoration. Societies Empowered AI and automation are driving greater accessibility in healthcare and education. New policymaking approaches are reshaping governance, while career planning is becoming increasingly personalised. Expanding access to sustainable water and supporting female entrepreneurs are fostering economic inclusion. Meanwhile, advancements in fitness technologies, climate resilience strategies, and AI-driven social justice initiatives are paving the way for more equitable communities. Systems Optimised Efficiency is being redefined with energy-saving materials, new economic metrics, and open-access research. Industries are streamlining processes through personalised nutrition, optimised logistics, and faster patenting systems. AI-driven disaster prevention is enhancing global preparedness, while sustainable energy solutions are securing long-term resource stability. Transformational Breakthrough advancements are shaping the future across industries. Long-term planning strategies are being embedded into decision-making, next-generation renewable energy is gaining momentum, and AI is being leveraged for sustainability. Water optimisation is improving resource management, astronaut health innovations are expanding space exploration capabilities, and regenerative medicine is unlocking new frontiers in healthcare and education. 10 Megatrends Shaping the Future The report highlights ten megatrends that will significantly influence these opportunities: Materials Revolutions, Boundless Multidimensional Data, Technological Vulnerabilities, Energy Boundaries, Evolving Ecosystems, Borderless World–Fluid Economies, Digital Realities, Life with Autonomous Robots and Automation, Future Humanity, and Advanced Health and Nutrition. The Global 50 report provides insights into the potential impact of these opportunities across many vital sectors, including health, space, energy, transportation, data, and the global economy. Developed in collaboration with global experts and numerous DFF partners, the report serves as a strategic roadmap for navigating the future of industries and societies.


Gulf Today
16-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
DFF launches 4th edition of ‘Future Opportunities'
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has launched the fourth edition of the 'Future Opportunities: The Global 50' report, igniting global dialogues to harness promising opportunities and global trends in service of humanity's future. The launch of this annual fourth edition brings the total number of future opportunities identified since the report's inception to 200, capable of generating over 1,000 actionable ideas across economic, societal, technological, and legal domains. This year's report also explores the top 10 global megatrends that are set to positively impact the quality of life in communities, drive sectoral and economic development, and enhance governmental performance worldwide in the coming years and decades. These trends are based on key indicators, including the expansion of 6G networks, the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, advancements in energy technologies, and increased reliance on robotics and unmanned aerial vehicles. The report outlines 50 key opportunities across five critical areas: Health Reimagined, Nature Restored, Societies Empowered, Systems Optimised, and Transformational. These insights aim to drive growth, address emerging challenges, and prepare industries for a rapidly evolving future. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Managing Director of DFF, highlighted the report's role as a call for collective action and the strengthening of effective partnerships to support individuals, institutions, and governments in transforming future opportunities into tangible achievements. 'The report embodies a platform for inspiring new ideas and future opportunities that support the global foresight ecosystem and open new horizons for designing the best possible future,' Al Gergawi stated. Al Gergawi also emphasised the need for proactive and strategic responses in a world of accelerating change. 'Foresight is not just about exploration or speculation. It is about deliberate action driven by the pursuit of growth, prosperity, and well-being. The future is not a fixed destination; it is an ongoing series of experiences shaped by intent and action. Anticipating change requires more than imagining scenarios; it involves exploring unfamiliar paths and maintaining an open mind. Success will come from reflecting, adapting, and acting decisively. Progress is built on agility, resilience, and the courage to innovate,' Al Gergawi explained. Advancements in healthcare are redefining mental well-being, with brainwave-driven relaxation and AI-powered mental health solutions at the forefront. Pandemic response is accelerating through cutting-edge innovations, while nanotechnology is revolutionising precision medicine with targeted drug delivery. Digital twins are enhancing early disease detection, breath-based diagnostics are emerging, and fungi-based therapies are being explored to strengthen immunity. Smart technology and biomaterials are optimising sustainability, creating stronger connections between people and nature. 4D-printed habitats are enhancing biodiversity, while advanced filtration systems are improving water quality. Ocean energy is becoming a major renewable power source, and advancements in clean energy storage and marine byproduct repurposing are driving environmental restoration. AI and automation are driving greater accessibility in healthcare and education. New policymaking approaches are reshaping governance, while career planning is becoming increasingly personalised. Expanding access to sustainable water and supporting female entrepreneurs are fostering economic inclusion. Meanwhile, advancements in fitness technologies, climate resilience strategies, and AI-driven social justice initiatives are paving the way for more equitable communities. Efficiency is being redefined with energy-saving materials, new economic metrics, and open-access research. Industries are streamlining processes through personalised nutrition, optimised logistics, and faster patenting systems. AI-driven disaster prevention is enhancing global preparedness, while sustainable energy solutions are securing long-term resource stability. Breakthrough advancements are shaping the future across industries. Long-term planning strategies are being embedded into decision-making, next-generation renewable energy is gaining momentum, and AI is being leveraged for sustainability. Water optimisation is improving resource management, astronaut health innovations are expanding space exploration capabilities, and regenerative medicine is unlocking new frontiers in healthcare and education.