Latest news with #CharlesLamanna
The National
08-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Microsoft president wants to see US replicate Abu Dhabi's AI efforts
Microsoft's president and vice chairman Brad Smith on Thursday praised Abu Dhabi's AI initiatives and apps, which he said empower residents. "We need to bring it to America," he told a US Senate commerce, science and transport committee hearing, referring to the need for apps that simplify the process of renewing driver licences, reporting potholes, obtaining various forms and other services. "You can do all these things with your phone, by the way and you can do this today in Abu Dhabi." Mr Smith did not specify what app he was referring to, but in February at a UAE event, Charles Lamanna, Microsoft's corporate vice president of business and industry, witnessed how the company's AI products were being used in various UAE-made apps. At one point, he was shown Abu Dhabi's TAMM government services AI assistant, which acts as a one-stop shop for government services including transport, health care, housing and police services. 'We are moving away from large language models to large action models,' Wael AbuRizq, AI and advanced analytics adviser with the Department of Government Enablement, said at the demonstration of the app, which uses Microsoft technology. Mr Lamanna told The National that TAMM's demonstration was among some of the most impressive he had seen in his travels throughout the world. Microsoft has been a proponent of the UAE's AI aspirations in recent years. The company made a $1.5 billion investment in UAE AI and cloud company G42 in 2024, and later announced that it would open its research-based 'AI for Good Lab' in Abu Dhabi, a first in the Middle East. Mr Smith was joined at the Senate hearing by OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, Advanced Micro Devices chief Lisa Su and CoreWeave boss Michael Intrator. US President Donald Trump is preparing to visit the UAE during a trip to the Gulf. On Wednesday, he told reporters that his administration might soon change a controversial chip export policy that some say could stifle AI aspirations in the UAE and other countries in the region. "We might be doing that, and it'll be announced soon," Mr Trump said in the Oval Office. The policy, referred to as the AI diffusion rule, was drafted during the final months of former president Joe Biden's administration as it sought to protect the US lead on AI development by preventing highly powerful central processing units and graphic processing units from being obtained by rival countries, such as China. Under the chip export rules countries would be split into tiers that would determine how many powerful chips and GPUs they could buy. Falling into the first tier and unaffected by the rules are Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the UK. Other countries, such as Switzerland, Poland, Greece, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Israel, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, would fall into a second-tier category, making it more difficult – although not impossible – to obtain the chips needed for AI research and development. Microsoft has openly criticised the proposed policy. 'Left unchanged, the Biden rule will give China a strategic advantage in spreading over time its own AI technology, echoing its rapid ascent in 5G telecoms a decade ago,' Mr Smith said in February. 'This tier-two status is undermining one of the essential requirements needed for a business to succeed – namely, confidence by our customers that they will be able to buy from us the AI computing capacity that they will need in the future."
Arab Times
17-04-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Microsoft's Copilot Studio can now ase a computer like a human
NEW YORK, April 17: Microsoft has rolled out a new 'computer use' feature in Copilot Studio this week, allowing AI agents to interact directly with websites and desktop applications. Similar to OpenAI's Operator and Claude's feature of the same name, this functionality enables businesses to build AI agents that use websites and apps just like a human would—automating tasks without requiring an API. 'Computer use enables agents to interact with websites and desktop apps by clicking buttons, selecting menus, and typing into fields on the screen,' explained Charles Lamanna, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft's Business & Industry Copilot. 'This allows agents to handle tasks even when there is no API available to connect to the system directly. If a person can use the app, the agent can too.' With this new capability, AI agents created through Copilot Studio will be able to automate tasks such as data entry, market research, and invoice processing. Microsoft notes that these agents will also adapt to changes in app or website layouts—such as moving buttons or altered screens—allowing them to continue functioning without interruption. Earlier this month, Microsoft introduced a similar feature called "Actions" to its consumer version of Copilot. That feature allows background automation, enabling users to book restaurant reservations, purchase event tickets, or shop online without interrupting their workflow. While Actions is currently limited to select partners, Copilot Studio's "computer use" functionality is expected to work across a broader range of websites and applications.
TECHx
08-02-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Microsoft Global AI Tour Debuts in Dubai - TECHx Media Microsoft Global AI Tour Debuts in Dubai
Microsoft Global AI Tour Debuts in Dubai Microsoft's global AI tour kicked off in Dubai, spotlighting groundbreaking AI innovations in partnership with G42. The event highlighted how Microsoft's advanced AI solutions are transforming industries across the UAE, empowering businesses of all sizes and enhancing services for citizens and residents. Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, emphasized the UAE's rapid AI adoption, stating that the country is setting a new benchmark across sectors like education, finance, energy, and retail. He noted that Microsoft is committed to supporting forward-thinking organizations in driving transformation in the AI era, fostering innovation, and building resilience. The event brought together key developers, innovators, and business leaders from public and private sectors, along with Microsoft executives including Charles Lamanna, Corporate Vice President, Business & Industry Copilot; Jessica Hawk, Corporate Vice President, Data, AI & Digital Applications; and Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Security. Charles Lamanna highlighted the UAE's remarkable progress in AI adoption, stating that both public and private sector organizations are not only embracing the latest AI advancements but also developing cutting-edge applications. He pointed out that AI-driven government services and intelligent customer engagement solutions reflect the UAE's vision to become a global hub for AI innovation. Several AI-powered initiatives were showcased at the event. The Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement's AI-powered TAMM platform is transforming government services, delivering over 950 services efficiently through AI-powered assistance available in multiple languages. Alef Education is revolutionizing learning experiences for more than 1.1 million students worldwide with AI-driven personalized education solutions, improving student outcomes by 12.1% in one academic year. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is among the first utility companies globally to adopt Microsoft 365 Copilot, enhancing productivity through AI-driven natural interactions. First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has implemented the FAB Wealth RM AI Advisor, which uses AI to provide performance insights and personalized investment recommendations, improving frontline productivity and customer service. Al-Futtaim's Blue AI, the first AI-driven lifestyle platform in the Middle East, is enhancing customer engagement for over 5 million users. Microsoft reaffirmed its long-term commitment to the UAE's digital transformation with continued investments in data centers, AI research hubs, and innovation partnerships. The company announced the launch of the Microsoft Engineering Center to attract global developers and drive AI innovation. It also introduced the Center for Responsible AI and AI for Good Lab, dedicated to advancing ethical AI solutions. Microsoft's partnership with G42 continues to drive sovereign cloud and AI advancements, enabling major UAE organizations like FAB, ADNOC, DGE, TAMM, and IHC to accelerate AI adoption while ensuring compliance with UAE cybersecurity regulations. As Microsoft's AI tour unfolds globally, the UAE's momentum in AI-driven transformation solidifies its position as a leader in digital innovation.
Tahawul Tech
07-02-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Microsoft showcases remarkable innovations accelerating AI transformation across the UAE
Microsoft's global AI tour kicked off recently in Dubai. At the event, with the strategic partnership of G42, several groundbreaking AI innovations were spotlighted, highlighting how Microsoft's cutting-edge solutions are empowering organisations across industries in the UAE to achieve transformative outcomes for businesses of all sizes as well as the country's citizens and residents. Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, stated: 'The UAE's swift embrace of AI is setting an ambitious benchmark. Across sectors like education, finance, energy, and retail, the innovations emerging here showcase the transformative power of AI in unlocking unparalleled opportunities for growth and progress. At Microsoft, we are honoured to partner with forward-thinking organisations in the UAE, driving transformation in this new AI era and empowering them to shape a future characterized by innovation and resilience'. The event brought together developers, innovators, and business leaders from key organisations in both the public and private sectors, as well as Microsoft executives including Charles Lamanna, Corporate Vice President, Business & Industry Copilot at Microsoft; Jessica Hawk, Corporate Vice President, Data, AI and Digital Applications, Microsoft Product Marketing; and Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Security. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Charles Lamanna, Corporate Vice President, Business & Industry Copilot at Microsoft, noted: 'The pace of cloud and AI adoption in the UAE is remarkable. It's impressive to see public and private sector organisations not only embracing the latest AI advancements but also rapidly developing their own cutting-edge applications. From AI-driven government services to intelligent customer engagement solutions, the level of innovation here reflects the UAE's forward-thinking vision and its commitment to becoming a global hub for AI'. During the event, Lamanna also met with senior executives from leading organizations in the UAE who have developed a diverse range of AI-powered solutions and initiatives by leveraging the power of Microsoft's AI suite of solutions: The Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement's AI-powered TAMM platform is delivering around 950 government services to citizens, residents, visitors and investors in the emirate with unparalleled efficiency. A major advancement in the delivery of government services in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Abu Dhabi government entities, federal entities, and private sector partners, including Microsoft and G42, TAMM provides 24/7 personalised service recommendations and features a conversational AI assistant in multiple languages, transforming customer experience in Abu Dhabi. AI-powered TAMM platform is delivering around 950 government services to citizens, residents, visitors and investors in the emirate with unparalleled efficiency. A major advancement in the delivery of government services in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Abu Dhabi government entities, federal entities, and private sector partners, including Microsoft and G42, TAMM provides 24/7 personalised service recommendations and features a conversational AI assistant in multiple languages, transforming customer experience in Abu Dhabi. Alef Education is harnessing the power of AI to transform learning experiences for more than 1.1 million students worldwide. The company leads the development of innovative AI-powered learning solutions, including the Alef AI Tutor, designed to support student learning by tracking progress, identifying challenges, and personalising learning paths to improve performance. This approach has resulted in a 12.1% improvement in student outcomes within one academic year. is harnessing the power of AI to transform learning experiences for more than 1.1 million students worldwide. The company leads the development of innovative AI-powered learning solutions, including the Alef AI Tutor, designed to support student learning by tracking progress, identifying challenges, and personalising learning paths to improve performance. This approach has resulted in a 12.1% improvement in student outcomes within one academic year. As one of the early adopters of Microsoft 365 Copilot technology among utilities worldwide, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has successfully rolled out Copilot agents in its operations delivering natural, human-like interactions, enhancing both personal and professional productivity for users. has successfully rolled out Copilot agents in its operations delivering natural, human-like interactions, enhancing both personal and professional productivity for users. First Abu Dhabi Bank's (FAB ) FAB Wealth RM AI Advisor tool enhances relationship managers' ability to provide performance insights for clients and their portfolios, using a comprehensive dashboard. The tool also simulates personalised investment recommendations, through personalised investment advice and proactive engagement. A number of benefits include increase in frontline productivity and improved service for clients. ) FAB Wealth RM AI Advisor tool enhances relationship managers' ability to provide performance insights for clients and their portfolios, using a comprehensive dashboard. The tool also simulates personalised investment recommendations, through personalised investment advice and proactive engagement. A number of benefits include increase in frontline productivity and improved service for clients. Al-Futtaim's Blue AI, a groundbreaking feature within the Blue lifestyle app and the first AI platform of its kind in the Middle East, developed in the United Arab Emirates, empowers over five million customers in its first year to seamlessly interact with their favourite brands, offering tailored insights, dynamic engagement, and smart lifestyle guidance across the entire Blue ecosystem of products and services. Microsoft's commitment to the UAE is reflected in its continued investment in the country's digital economy, including its data centre regions and centres of excellence dedicated to finding solutions to pressing societal issues, such as the recently announced Centre for Responsible AI and the AI for Good Lab. In addition, Microsoft announced its commitment to opening a Microsoft Engineering Centre, a move to attract developers to the UAE to support the country's increasing need for cutting edge technologies. Microsoft's dedication to the UAE is further reinforced through its partnership with G42. The two organisations have embarked on a strategic collaboration to enhance digital transformation in the UAE through a joint sovereign cloud and AI offering. To date, Core42 and Microsoft have enabled several customers from the public sector and highly regulated industries, including First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Department of Government Enablement (DGE), TAMM, International Holding Company (IHC), to accelerate their adoption of Microsoft Azure Public Cloud and AI transformation while maintaining full compliance with UAE cyber security regulations. This has unleashed home-grown innovation and enabled the creation of AI driven solutions that have benefited residents, customers and the UAE economy as a whole. Image Credit: Microsoft
Trade Arabia
06-02-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Microsoft showcases innovations accelerating AI transformation
Microsoft's global AI tour kicked off today in Dubai, with several groundbreaking AI innovations spotlighted. The tour highlights how Microsoft's cutting-edge solutions are empowering organisations across industries in the UAE to achieve transformative outcomes for businesses of all sizes as well as the country's citizens and residents, Microsoft said. Naim Yazbeck, General Manager of Microsoft UAE, stated: 'The UAE's swift embrace of AI is setting an ambitious benchmark. Across sectors like education, finance, energy, and retail, the innovations emerging here showcase the transformative power of AI in unlocking unparalleled opportunities for growth and progress. At Microsoft, we are honored to partner with forward-thinking organizations in the UAE, driving transformation in this new AI era and empowering them to shape a future characterized by innovation and resilience.' The event brought together developers, innovators, and business leaders from key organisations in both the public and private sectors, as well as Microsoft executives including Charles Lamanna, Corporate Vice President, Business & Industry Copilot at Microsoft; Jessica Hawk, Corporate Vice President, Data, AI and Digital Applications, Microsoft Product Marketing; and Vasu Jakkal, Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Security. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Charles Lamanna, Corporate Vice President, Business & Industry Copilot at Microsoft, noted: 'The pace of cloud and AI adoption in the UAE is remarkable. It's impressive to see public and private sector organizations not only embracing the latest AI advancements but also rapidly developing their own cutting-edge applications. From AI-driven government services to intelligent customer engagement solutions, the level of innovation here reflects the UAE's forward-thinking vision and its commitment to becoming a global hub for AI.' During the event, Lamanna also met with senior executives from leading organisations in the UAE who have developed a diverse range of AI-powered solutions and initiatives by leveraging the power of Microsoft's AI suite of solutions: • The Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement's AI-powered TAMM platform is delivering around 950 government services to citizens, residents, visitors and investors in the emirate with unparalleled efficiency. A major advancement in the delivery of government services in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Abu Dhabi government entities, federal entities, and private sector partners, including Microsoft and G42, TAMM provides 24/7 personalised service recommendations and features a conversational AI assistant in multiple languages, transforming customer experience in Abu Dhabi. • Alef Education is harnessing the power of AI to transform learning experiences for more than 1.1 million students worldwide. The company leads the development of innovative AI-powered learning solutions, including the Alef AI Tutor, designed to support student learning by tracking progress, identifying challenges, and personalizing learning paths to improve performance. This approach has resulted in a 12.1% improvement in student outcomes within one academic year. • As one of the early adopters of Microsoft 365 Copilot technology among utilities worldwide, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has successfully rolled out Copilot agents in its operations delivering natural, human-like interactions, enhancing both personal and professional productivity for users. • First Abu Dhabi Bank's (FAB) FAB Wealth RM AI Advisor tool enhances relationship managers' ability to provide performance insights for clients and their portfolios, using a comprehensive dashboard. The tool also simulates personalized investment recommendations, through personalized investment advice and proactive engagement. A number of benefits include increase in frontline productivity and improved service for clients. • Al-Futtaim's Blue AI, a groundbreaking feature within the Blue lifestyle app and the first AI platform of its kind in the Middle East, developed in the United Arab Emirates, empowers over five million customers in its first year to seamlessly interact with their favorite brands, offering tailored insights, dynamic engagement, and smart lifestyle guidance across the entire Blue ecosystem of products and services. Microsoft's commitment to the UAE is reflected in its continued investment in the country's digital economy, including its data centre regions and centres of excellence dedicated to finding solutions to pressing societal issues, such as the recently announced Center for Responsible AI and the AI for Good Lab. In addition, Microsoft announced its commitment to opening a Microsoft Engineering Center, a move to attract developers to the UAE to support the country's increasing need for cutting edge technologies. Microsoft's dedication to the UAE is further reinforced through its partnership with G42. The two organisations have embarked on a strategic collaboration to enhance digital transformation in the UAE through a joint sovereign cloud and AI offering. To date, Core42 and Microsoft have enabled several customers from the public sector and highly regulated industries, including First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), Department of Government Enablement (DGE), TAMM, International Holding Company (IHC), to accelerate their adoption of Microsoft Azure Public Cloud and AI transformation while maintaining full compliance with UAE cyber security regulations. This has unleashed home-grown innovation and enabled the creation of AI driven solutions that have benefited residents, customers and the UAE economy as a whole, Microsoft said. -TradeArabia News Service
