Latest news with #NationalArtificialIntelligenceStrategy2031


CairoScene
15-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
du Launches GPU-as-a-Service to Boost Enterprise AI in the UAE
du's new GPU-as-a-Service platform aims to support AI development across sectors by offering high-performance, scalable compute infrastructure to enterprises and developers in the UAE. May 15, 2025 UAE telecom operator du, part of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has launched a new GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS) offering designed to meet the rising demand for high-performance compute infrastructure required for enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning workloads. The service provides access to NVIDIA GPUs on-demand through a subscription model, allowing businesses to scale AI development without the need for significant upfront investment in hardware. du's platform will be hosted in its Tier III data centres, with enterprise-grade SLAs and secure, low-latency access, tailored for AI model training, inferencing, and large-scale data processing. By launching GPUaaS, du positions itself as a critical enabler of AI adoption in the UAE's public and private sectors. The initiative aligns with the country's broader digital transformation goals, particularly the UAE's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031. du's enterprise clients—including those in finance, healthcare, energy, and smart city planning—can now accelerate AI development pipelines while managing costs and resource allocation more efficiently. The service is expected to appeal to startups and research institutions as well, offering flexible compute access without the traditional capital expenditure hurdles.


Zawya
05-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
FSS showcases AI-driven payment innovations at Simply Payments 2025 Dubai, as UAE accelerates towards an intelligent financial future
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates-- (BUSINESS WIRE/AETOSWire)-- At a time when the UAE's financial services industry is undergoing unprecedented transformation, Financial Software and Systems (FSS), a global leader in payments technology, hosted the Dubai edition of its flagship event Simply Payments 2025 series, convening top minds in Fintech, Government Payments, and Artificial Intelligence. Held under the theme 'Reimagining Payments in the AI Era,' the event underscored the urgent need for banks and financial institutions to embrace AI not just as a technology tool, but as a strategic enabler of operational agility, consumer relevance, and sustainable growth. The event came at a critical juncture for UAE. With the Central Bank of the UAE's Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme already pushing for the rollout of instant payments, and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 placing the UAE among global AI leaders, FSS positioned itself as a key catalyst enabling local and regional players to navigate the new digital paradigm. A Trusted Global Enabler, Now Deepening Its MENA Focus FSS, which powers mission-critical payments across 26+ countries, is increasing focus on the MENA region, with Dubai emerging as a hub for strategic fintech partnerships. 'For over 15 years, we have supported the payments modernization journey of governments and private sector institutions. Today, the UAE is a beacon for innovation, and FSS is proud to help realize its vision of an AI-led, inclusive digital economy,' said Sandeep David Crasta, Head of Sales – Retail Payments, MENA at FSS, during the welcome address. FSS's platform offerings—spanning real-time payment processing, AI-based fraud management, and open API integration—are purpose-built to meet the evolving demands of the Gulf's financial ecosystem. AI as a Driver of Economic and Operational Efficiency In a keynote titled The Role of AI in Reshaping Financial Economics, Imad Ahmed Abdalwahab, MD – Government Payment Solutions at Magnati, emphasized AI's concrete benefits: A 30–40% increase in transaction acceptance rates due to intelligent decision-making systems. Real-time fraud prevention powered by machine learning and behavioural analytics. AI-driven personalization that enhances user engagement across digital banking channels. 'We are no longer talking about potential. AI is already transforming how payments are processed, secured, and experienced by end-users. And in the UAE, where infrastructure and policy are in sync, the benefits are immediate,' said Abdalwahab. He credited FSS as a 'critical partner' in deploying backend systems that are faster, simpler, and more responsive—especially for government-related payments, where trust and efficiency are paramount. V Balasubramanian, CEO of FSS, offered a nuanced take on AI's potential and responsibilities. 'AI is not just algorithms—it's about building ethical systems that empower human decision-making. The regulatory frameworks in the UAE, which focus on exploring the ability, governance, and consumer protection, are setting global standards. We at FSS are proud to align with them.' Balasubramanian also noted that dual intelligence—leveraging both human insight and machine learning—is key to creating differentiated outcomes in a crowded market. Panel Discussion: Reimagining Payments in the Artificial Intelligence Era The high-powered panel discussion brought together prominent voices from the fintech and banking sectors, including Haishan Wu, Mohamed Chakib Ouabi, Devendra Kumar, Malaz Mubaid, and Sandeep Crasta. Panellists also highlighted that strategic investments in AI are becoming key differentiators for banks, especially as the pressure to modernize intensifies in an increasingly competitive financial landscape. FSS's offerings are deeply compatible with emerging trends in the region. Last year, FSS had launched the FSS BLAZE platform in the UAE, which has since then been more than warmly received by banks and telecom companies alike. Many of them have since adopted BLAZE, and together, with FSS, have begun to reimagine how modern payments can work in a faster, smoother and more seamless manner. About Financial Software and Systems (FSS) Financial Software and Systems (FSS) is a global leader in payments technology and transaction processing, offering a comprehensive suite of products and solutions that redefine the payment experience. With a presence in over 25 countries, FSS powers seamless transactions and enhances customer experiences for banks, financial institutions, and fintechs worldwide. The company's offerings include card issuance, merchant acquiring, real-time payments, and reconciliation, secure 3D authentication, and active device monitoring. FSS's innovative platforms, such as FSS BLAZE™ and FSS BLAZE™ Studio, enable rapid deployment of payment products and low-code application development, fostering digital transformation in the payments ecosystem.


Business Wire
05-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
FSS Showcases AI-Driven Payment Innovations at Simply Payments 2025 Dubai, as UAE Accelerates Towards an Intelligent Financial Future
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At a time when the UAE's financial services industry is undergoing unprecedented transformation, Financial Software and Systems (FSS), a global leader in payments technology, hosted the Dubai edition of its flagship event Simply Payments 2025 series, convening top minds in Fintech, Government Payments, and Artificial Intelligence. Held under the theme 'Reimagining Payments in the AI Era,' the event underscored the urgent need for banks and financial institutions to embrace AI not just as a technology tool, but as a strategic enabler of operational agility, consumer relevance, and sustainable growth. The event came at a critical juncture for UAE. With the Central Bank of the UAE's Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme already pushing for the rollout of instant payments, and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 placing the UAE among global AI leaders, FSS positioned itself as a key catalyst enabling local and regional players to navigate the new digital paradigm. A Trusted Global Enabler, Now Deepening Its MENA Focus FSS, which powers mission-critical payments across 26+ countries, is increasing focus on the MENA region, with Dubai emerging as a hub for strategic fintech partnerships. 'For over 15 years, we have supported the payments modernization journey of governments and private sector institutions. Today, the UAE is a beacon for innovation, and FSS is proud to help realize its vision of an AI-led, inclusive digital economy,' said Sandeep David Crasta, Head of Sales – Retail Payments, MENA at FSS, during the welcome address. FSS's platform offerings—spanning real-time payment processing, AI-based fraud management, and open API integration—are purpose-built to meet the evolving demands of the Gulf's financial ecosystem. AI as a Driver of Economic and Operational Efficiency In a keynote titled The Role of AI in Reshaping Financial Economics, Imad Ahmed Abdalwahab, MD – Government Payment Solutions at Magnati, emphasized AI's concrete benefits: A 30–40% increase in transaction acceptance rates due to intelligent decision-making systems. Real-time fraud prevention powered by machine learning and behavioural analytics. AI-driven personalization that enhances user engagement across digital banking channels. 'We are no longer talking about potential. AI is already transforming how payments are processed, secured, and experienced by end-users. And in the UAE, where infrastructure and policy are in sync, the benefits are immediate,' said Abdalwahab. He credited FSS as a 'critical partner' in deploying backend systems that are faster, simpler, and more responsive—especially for government-related payments, where trust and efficiency are paramount. V Balasubramanian, CEO of FSS, offered a nuanced take on AI's potential and responsibilities. 'AI is not just algorithms—it's about building ethical systems that empower human decision-making. The regulatory frameworks in the UAE, which focus on exploring the ability, governance, and consumer protection, are setting global standards. We at FSS are proud to align with them.' Balasubramanian also noted that dual intelligence—leveraging both human insight and machine learning—is key to creating differentiated outcomes in a crowded market. Panel Discussion: Reimagining Payments in the Artificial Intelligence Era The high-powered panel discussion brought together prominent voices from the fintech and banking sectors, including Haishan Wu, Mohamed Chakib Ouabi, Devendra Kumar, Malaz Mubaid, and Sandeep Crasta. Panellists also highlighted that strategic investments in AI are becoming key differentiators for banks, especially as the pressure to modernize intensifies in an increasingly competitive financial landscape. FSS's offerings are deeply compatible with emerging trends in the region. Last year, FSS had launched the FSS BLAZE platform in the UAE, which has since then been more than warmly received by banks and telecom companies alike. Many of them have since adopted BLAZE, and together, with FSS, have begun to reimagine how modern payments can work in a faster, smoother and more seamless manner. Financial Software and Systems (FSS) is a global leader in payments technology and transaction processing, offering a comprehensive suite of products and solutions that redefine the payment experience. With a presence in over 25 countries, FSS powers seamless transactions and enhances customer experiences for banks, financial institutions, and fintechs worldwide. The company's offerings include card issuance, merchant acquiring, real-time payments, and reconciliation, secure 3D authentication, and active device monitoring. FSS's innovative platforms, such as FSS BLAZE™ and FSS BLAZE™ Studio, enable rapid deployment of payment products and low-code application development, fostering digital transformation in the payments ecosystem.


Arabian Post
04-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE Integrates AI into School Curriculum for Future Readiness
The United Arab Emirates is set to launch artificial intelligence as a core element of its public school curriculum later this year, marking a significant step towards integrating cutting-edge technologies into education. This move comes as part of the nation's ambitious strategy to position itself as a regional leader in AI development, aligning with its broader vision of fostering a future-ready workforce. AI will not only be incorporated into the teaching of various subjects but will also be used to enhance educational processes, with a focus on equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The new initiative is seen as a pivotal moment in the UAE's ongoing push to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil exports, placing technology and innovation at the forefront. The introduction of AI into schools is also aligned with the UAE's goal of being a global hub for artificial intelligence research and application. The country's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 aims to position the UAE as a leader in AI by investing in education, research, and the development of AI-based solutions across various sectors, from healthcare to transportation. By embedding AI education at an early stage, the UAE is preparing its future workforce for the challenges and opportunities that AI will bring to the economy. Government officials have underscored the importance of preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century, where digital literacy and technological proficiency are critical. The UAE's Ministry of Education has been working with tech companies, educational experts, and AI specialists to develop a curriculum that is not only scientifically rigorous but also practical in its application. See also Bell Canada and Ericsson Advance AI-Driven Network Optimisation The move is part of a broader trend in the Gulf region, where countries are keen to adopt advanced technologies to spur economic development and enhance global competitiveness. Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and other nations in the Middle East have also made strides in integrating AI and other emerging technologies into education and public services. However, the UAE's commitment to AI in schools sets it apart by prioritising its early incorporation at the level of primary and secondary education, targeting the next generation of tech-savvy leaders. AI's role within the classroom is multifaceted. From adaptive learning systems that tailor educational content to the individual needs of students to automated administrative tasks that reduce the workload on teachers, AI promises to revolutionise the educational experience. The UAE is also exploring AI-driven solutions to track and measure student performance in real time, providing teachers with insights into areas where students may need additional support. In addition to enhancing the learning experience, AI integration is also expected to offer insights into improving overall school operations, such as resource allocation, teacher training, and school management. By leveraging AI, educational institutions can optimise their approach to delivering high-quality education, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively. The decision to introduce AI into the school curriculum has been met with enthusiasm from various sectors, including educators, students, and the technology community. Many see it as a critical step in preparing students not just to use technology, but to create and shape it. With the global demand for AI skills growing rapidly, experts believe that students in the UAE will have a significant advantage as they enter the workforce, particularly in fields related to data science, machine learning, and AI development. See also DOJ Proposes Sale of Chrome to Address Google's Market Dominance However, the implementation of AI in education also raises concerns that need to be addressed. Critics have pointed out potential challenges, such as the risk of widening the digital divide, where students without access to advanced technology may fall behind. There are also concerns about privacy and data security, particularly with the use of AI systems that collect and analyse student data. These concerns are being carefully considered by the UAE government, which has pledged to maintain high standards of data protection and ensure that the technology is used ethically and responsibly. Despite these challenges, the UAE is moving ahead with its plans to integrate AI into the curriculum, positioning itself as a key player in the global race for technological innovation. As the country continues to invest in education and technology, AI integration is seen as a crucial building block in its vision of a knowledge-based economy. The UAE's focus on AI in education also complements its wider efforts to establish itself as a global technology hub. The country has attracted major international tech companies, launched a variety of initiatives to support startups, and made significant investments in developing AI-powered infrastructure. With a favourable regulatory environment and a strategic location between Asia, Europe, and Africa, the UAE has positioned itself as a prime destination for tech entrepreneurs and investors looking to tap into the growing potential of AI and other advanced technologies.


The National
21-04-2025
- Business
- The National
The UAE is claiming its spot in the AI race
Over the past decade, the UAE has been making significant strides in the world of artificial intelligence and steadily climbing the global ranks in tech leadership. During the course of Dubai AI week that starts today, when representatives of giant international tech firms, from Microsoft, Meta, Google and IBM will be in the UAE, along with industry leaders from 100 countries, collaborations are likely to be struck that further boost the country's wide-ranging AI goals. We can expect them to build networks, highlight the role of AI in reimagining government services to make them even more efficient, thereby accelerating economic growth, and ultimately preparing societies for a future that is driven by technology and importantly, which benefits people at large. As the UAE continues to diversify its economy, AI already informs much of the UAE's thinking and performance across sectors. From shaping health care, education, transport to increasing government efficiencies and integrating AI into security systems, the reach of AI extends every year. To this end, a few notable collaborations are already cemented, such as Abu Dhabi's G42 tie-up with chipmaker Nvidia for AI-led climate solutions, and a $1.5billion investment from Microsoft in G42 last April. None of this, however, has happened overnight. The UAE's strategic thinking and the work that has been done to lay a solid foundation for AI go back several years. In October 2017, the UAE appointed the world's first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Al Olama. Subsequently, in early 2019, almost exactly six years ago, the UAE adopted an ambitious plan called the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 – to become one of the leading nations in AI by 2031. In the same year, the country established the world's first graduate-level, research-based university that was dedicated to AI, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. And in January, Abu Dhabi launched its Digital Strategy 2025-2027, which aims to transform the emirate into the world's first fully artificial intelligence-powered government by 2027. With the UAE's focus on how technology can help improve lives and be used for public good, the goals are within reach. At the World Governments Summit this February, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said that over the next 25 years, artificial intelligence would move civilisation ahead faster than at any stage in history. Given all these developments, this is undoubtedly an exciting time for innovators and those in the tech world. It is also nothing short of revolutionary for ordinary people who can experience the marvels of technology for themselves, in trying out AI assistant tools such as ChatGPT or DeepSeek or Gemini. But given such rapid progress of technology, and the power of AI tools, the issue of preparing workforces and societies, responsible use, security and ethics also come into play. Cognisant of this reality, Mr Al Olama, the UAE's AI minister, has spoken about the need for governments to introduce boundaries for AI, and a proactive approach in regulating AI. These are important and urgent issues. As the UAE advances in its pursuit of AI goals, and factors in security concerns, it is on track to achieve milestones in the field of futuristic technology and inspire countries, in the Middle East and North Africa region and around the world, to similarly strive for success.