Latest news with #UAEGovernment
Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Climate
- Khaleej Times
5.7 magnitude quake strikes southern Iran with no impact on UAE
The National Seismic Network stations of the National Centre of Meteorology recorded a 5.7-magnitude earthquake in southern Iran at 01:30 UAE local time today. The centre confirmed that the earthquake was not felt in the UAE and had no impact on the country.
Zawya
27-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
UAE ranks first globally in telecom infrastructure, digital government framework, digital content
DUBAI - The UAE has secured the top global ranking in the telecommunications infrastructure index, the institutional framework for digital government, and the digital content index, according to the second edition of the 'State of Digital Transformation Report'. The report was released by the UAE's Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation during the recent Digital Readiness Retreat. The report highlights the UAE government's digital achievements across 12 key sectors, including the economy, finance, human resources, health, education, community development, culture and youth, immigration and foreign affairs, security and justice, infrastructure and energy, logistics, and the environment. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future in the UAE Government and Chair of the Committee, said digital readiness and transformation are central to the UAE leadership's vision, aiming to eliminate bureaucracy and enhance quality of life through technology. She noted the report tracks major digital achievements over the past year, showcasing the UAE's leadership in global competitiveness indices related to digital governance. It is intended to motivate further efforts to meet national digital goals. The report notes that the UAE ranked first globally in the UN indices for telecommunications infrastructure, digital government framework, digital content, and digital knowledge. It also topped the global 'Government AI Readiness Index 2024' by Oxford Insights, ranked third in government service delivery, and placed fourth in GovTech Maturity Index according to the World Bank. The country came in 11th in both the IMD's Digital Competitiveness Index and the UN E-Government Development Index. Digital government efforts resulted in significant efficiency gains, including AED368 billion saved for users and AED20 billion in government cost reductions. The transformation also saved 530 million labour hours and cut carbon emissions by 55.8 million tonnes. In 2024 alone, UAE federal government entities processed 173.7 million digital transactions. Federal websites attracted 131.5 million visits, and government apps were downloaded 26.3 million times. A total of 1,419 digital services are now offered, including 195 classified as priority. The satisfaction rate for digital services reached 91 percent, with more than 57 million users benefiting. There are currently 460 active digital transformation projects across federal agencies. In the digital government sector, 10.8 million individuals used the UAE Pass, which now connects to 15,000 services and supports 2.6 billion integrated digital transactions. In the economic sector, 5.2 million tax transactions were completed digitally, alongside 316,800 certificates of origin and 64,100 trademark registration and renewal requests. The finance sector processed 8,300 vendor registrations, 2,500 financial market employee accreditations, and 1,000 foreign investment fund renewals. Human resources saw 13.2 million work permit applications and 8 million employment contract transactions, with 1.2 million training hours delivered through the 'Jahiz' digital learning platform. In health, 2 million prescriptions were filled using robotic pharmacies, 1 million chest X-rays were conducted using artificial intelligence, and 437,900 remote medical consultations were held. The education sector delivered digital learning to 1.4 million individuals and processed 445,700 university course registrations. Community services answered 115,600 digital inquiries and completed 243,800 zakat and donation transactions, as well as 125,700 digital requests for fatwas and zakat calculations. In justice and security, 4.2 million traffic fine payments, 1.5 million vehicle registrations, and 417,800 criminal record certificate applications were processed digitally. The identity and residency sector handled 4.7 million Emirates ID renewals, 1.6 million private sector residency permit renewals, and 596,200 digital document attestations. Infrastructure and logistics services completed 5,900 housing assistance requests, issued 68,500 national transport permits, and granted 3,000 nuclear activity licenses. In the environmental sector, authorities processed 76,600 plant health certificates, 39,600 veterinary export certificates, and 59,900 agricultural product clearance transactions. In the culture sector, 2,400 library memberships were issued, 368 cultural artifacts were registered, and 162 event space rental requests were fulfilled.
Emirates 24/7
18-05-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
UAE Government, WEF set stage for launching Global Future Councils in October
The UAE Government and the World Economic Forum (WEF) announced the launch of the 2025 edition of the Global Future Councils, to be held in Dubai on October 14 - 16, 2025. This landmark event continues a remarkable journey of collaboration between the UAE and the WEF, and builds on more than 16 years of success, with the councils' having convened over 280 councils with the participation of 6,600+ global experts and specialists, covering topics most related to human life and future. Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Co-Chair of the Global Future Councils, emphasised that the councils reflect the shared values of the UAE and the WEF, namely to encourage future-shaping thinking and inspire societies to actively participate in the design and implementation of forward-looking solutions. 'For more than five decades, our relationship with the World Economic Forum has always centred on building an inclusive platform for open global dialogue about the future—with humanity at its core,' said Al Gergawi. 'This reflects our wise leadership's commitment to fostering meaningful international cooperation to co-create a better tomorrow.' 'In today's world, challenges such as technology, geoeconomics, and the environment are interconnected. The uniqueness of the Forum's Global Future Councils is that they bring together experts from different fields to identify new areas for future cooperation,' said Børge Brende, President and Chief Executive Officer, World Economic Forum. The current term of the GFCs will develop thought leadership to help navigate uncertainty, decode geopolitical tensions, and make sense of an increasingly complex world. The 2025–2026 edition of the Global Future Councils will feature 36 councils, bringing together 700 experts from over 580 organisations and institutions across 93 countries. The councils are evenly structured to ensure diverse representation—one-third for business leaders, one-third for thought leaders and academics, and one-third for government experts, international organisations, and civil society representatives. The UAE Government and the WEF held an introductory meeting for members of the upcoming edition to update participants on the goals of the new session and outline the key priorities that will shape the GFCs work over the next two years. During the opening session, Ruqayya AlBlooshi, Executive Director for International Affairs at the UAE Prime Minister's Office, and Martina Szabo, Head of Knowledge Communities at the WEF, outlined the roadmap for the new GFCs. AlBlooshi highlighted the UAE's pivotal role in creating a diverse and impactful future-shaping network, contributing to nearly $8 trillion in global economic value and reaching 683 million people across 158 countries. 'Over the past 16 years, the collaboration between the UAE and the World Economic Forum has led to creating hundreds of think tanks and brought together thousands of experts and thought leaders from over 93 countries,' she noted. 'Hosting the Global Future Councils in the UAE—and turning their outcomes into impactful, real-world solutions—underscores the UAE's position as a global hub for communication and collaboration.' AlBlooshi further emphasised the GFCs impact on major global events, noting their role in shaping global agendas, serving international priorities, and delivering tangible results. One example was the GFC on Agile Governance, that produced thought leadership supporting the development of innovative regulatory practices and helping governments quickly adapt to emerging technologies inspiring the action seven countries. Szabo underscored the councils' evolution from their 2008 origins as 'Global Agenda Councils' to the present-day 'Global Future Councils,' and their continued role in shaping key global agendas, such as the Annual Meeting of the New Champions in China, Sustainable Development Impact Meetings in New York, Growth Summits in Geneva, and the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting in Davos. She outlined the new goals of the Global Future Councils, which include enhancing cross-disciplinary collaboration, sharing ideas and knowledge, defining and exploring emerging issues and technologies expected to have a major global impact, establishing data- and evidence-based cooperation between public and private sectors, noting that what truly sets the Global Future Councils apart is their proven ability to drive real, transformative change worldwide. Over the past 16 years, the Global Future Councils have convened more than 280 councils, with 6,600+ members from around 100 countries, 1,500+ companies, 800 academic institutions, 600 civil society groups, and 50 international organisations. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Khaleej Times
07-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE, France to build 1-gigawatt AI data centre: What we know about this mega tech project
In a big move into the global future of artificial intelligence (AI), the UAE is collaborating with France to develop a 1GW AI data centre. The UAE will invest billions of euros into the mega 'campus' that is set to become the largest such AI facility in Europe, the French presidency said on Thursday. The announcement comes soon after President Sheikh Mohamed arrived in Paris for a state visit. The establishment of the centre was part of a larger AI agreement signed between the Emirati leader and French President Emmanuel Macron. "The two leaders expressed their desire to create a strategic partnership in the field of AI and committed to exploring collaborations on projects and investments supporting the development of the AI value chain," a joint Franco-Emirati statement said. AI data centres are slated to stock data and provide the enormous energy required for the new technology. The UAE-France agreement was inked as global experts began debating the threats and promise of AI at a gathering in Paris on Thursday and Friday, ahead of a summit of world leaders on the fast-moving technology. Here's what we know about this artificial intelligence investment: How much will it cost? The centre will be the core of a new AI "campus" and will have up to a gigawatt of capacity, "which represents investments of 30 to 50 billion euros", the French presidency said in a statement. What will the investments include? The two governments said the investments would be in both French and Emirati AI. It will include: The acquisition of cutting-edge chips Data centres Talent development The establishment of virtual data embassies to enable the establishment of sovereign AI and cloud infrastructures in both countries. Where will the major AI data centre be built? Based on the UAE Government's statement on state-run news agency WAM, the '1GW AI Campus' will be built in France. The French government earlier on Thursday said it had located 35 sites to host AI data centres. An announcement on the first investments will be made at the Choose France summit later this year. What does this project mean for the UAE and France? Considering the scope of activities and the size of infrastructure laid out in the UAE-France agreement, this collaboration highlights the "strength and dynamism" of the relationship between the two countries. The two leaders agreed to closely monitor the development of these AI cooperation projects. The goal is to explore collaborations on projects and investments that support the development of the AI value chain. What we know about the upcoming AI summit in France The February 10-11 summit aims to put France and Europe on the AI map as they try to rival the US and China, which have taken a lead on the energy-intensive technology. Thousands are expected at the Paris event, which aims to find common ground on a technology that has upset many business sectors in less than two years -- as well as to keep France and Europe on the map as credible contenders in the AI race. (With inputs from Reuters, AFP, WAM)
Zawya
06-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Ai Everything Global: Countries urged to rapidly adopt AI to stay ahead of cyber threats
The AI Everything Global 2025 showcase, now ongoing, brings together global innovators to demonstrate the latest AI breakthroughs and industry-leading use cases. Dubai, UAE – At the inaugural Ai Everything Summit held yesterday, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity at UAE Government, delivered a powerful call to action. He emphasised that nations, governments, and organisations must adopt AI technologies sooner rather than later in order to stay ahead of rapidly evolving cyber-attacks. The Summit took place at the iconic Abu Dhabi's St. Regis, Saadiyat Island Resort, serving as the venue for the world's largest public-private AI gathering, Ai Everything Global 2025. It brought together global tech leaders, industry professionals, and investors, making the event the focal point for discussions on reshaping the future AI-powered economy. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in affiliation with GITEX GLOBAL, the world's largest tech show, this landmark event serves as a deep dive into the profound shifts AI is bringing to industries and economies. Under the theme 'Big Winds of Change. It's Ai in Everything', it provides a platform for thought leaders to explore the revolutionary advancements in AI and the recalibration of global economies driven by rapidly changing technological landscape. In front of a packed audience, H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity at UAE Government was among the guest speakers during a panel discussion where he emphasised the crucial role of governments planning ahead to ensure they not only meet the demand of AI but also win the fight against cybercrime. He outlined five main pillars: governance, protection, innovation, establishing and building, and partnership – all part of the UAE's newly-announced National Cybersecurity Strategy – as essential components to promoting the growth of AI. However, he posited that engaging in conversations and forging relationships to advance the sector is even more important. He said: 'The vision of our leadership is to turn the UAE into an AI hub. Furthermore, there is a lot cybercrime happening (around the world) today which is why we need to be more proactive and build the right infrastructure to protect our digital systems through AI. It's even more important to leverage AI, as it's the future of tackling cybercrime.' Only a matter of time before AI can help decide prosecution cases The discussion also featured insights from H.E. Salem Ali Juma Al Zaabi, Head of Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Prosecution at UAE Public Prosecution, highlighting the organisation's AI strategy adopting to address crime cases. He said: 'AI saves us much time by helping us through analysis, but it does not contribute to making a decision. With that said, I believe it's not far away [that AI is making prosecution decisions]. It's now almost there. We should keep the same speed of AI going but choose where to implement and test AI in different cases of crime.' The Ai Everything Global 2025 showcase exhibition continues to feature thought-provoking debates and conversations, gathering over 500 big-tech enterprises, SMEs, and award-winning startups from more than 70 countries worldwide. The event also convenes 500 Chief AI Officers (CAIOs), 200 expert speakers, and over 150 investors with USD 70 billion in assets under management (AUM). For more information, please visit Follow Ai Everything Global on social media: Facebook | Instagram | X | LinkedIn Hashtag: #AiEverythingGlobal -Ends- About Ai Everything Global Ai Everything Global, the world's premier AI event, debuts in the UAE across Abu Dhabi and Dubai from 4-6 February 2025 – organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in affiliation with GITEX GLOBAL, the world's largest and best-rated tech show hosted annually in Dubai. The inaugural edition stages the largest AI ecosystem gathering worldwide, welcoming over 500 AI big tech, SMEs, and award-winning startups alongside 500 Chief AI Officers (CIAOs), 150 global investors, 200 international speakers, and 100 commercial AI developers from over 70 countries. It unites the world's foremost AI experts, thought leaders, and corporate innovators to discover the most transformative hands-on use cases, address AI commercialisation challenges, forge new partnerships, accelerate cross-continental innovation, and shape the future of AI applications. For more information, please visit: About Dubai World Trade Centre A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region's leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector leading mega events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region's growth story. Since its inauguration, DWTC has hosted over 6,000 events, with an estimated economic output of AED 248 billion, attracting over 38 million business visitors to Dubai. Media Contact: Tayce Marchesi, PR Manager, DWTC | Ahmad Khalloudi, Account Manager, Seven Media | ahmadkhalloudi@
