Latest news with #WorldGovernmentsSummit2025
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, UAE DPMs discuss trade, defence
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held a bilateral meeting with his UAE counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan wherein they engaged in comprehensive discussions to further strengthen the longstanding bilateral fraternal ties. In the meeting held in Abu Dhabi at the invitation of the UAE deputy prime minister and foreign minister, the two sides explored avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation across key sectors, including trade, investment, energy, defense, and people-to-people connections, a Foreign Office press release said Saturday. The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, underscoring the importance of promoting peace, stability, and shared prosperity. Dar congratulated the UAE leadership on the successful organization of the World Governments Summit 2025, in Dubai from February 11-13, 2025, and commended the UAE's visionary initiatives in fostering global dialogue and cooperation. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to deepening its multifaceted partnership with the UAE and highlighted the pivotal role of the Pakistani diaspora in the UAE, describing them as a bridge between the two nations. Senator Dar also expressed gratitude for the UAE's consistent support for Pakistan's economic development and progress. In response, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan reiterated the UAE's steadfast commitment to strengthening its strategic relationship with Pakistan. He acknowledged Pakistan's significant contributions to regional stability and expressed appreciation for the positive role played by the Pakistani community in the UAE's development. The two leaders agreed to maintain a regular high-level engagements and consultations to further solidify bilateral ties and coordinate on regional and international issues of mutual concern. The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both dignitaries expressing optimism about the future of Pakistan-UAE relations and their shared vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and stable region.
USA Today
20-02-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Alibaba plans major AI investment as revenues rebound in third quarter
Alibaba plans major AI investment as revenues rebound in third quarter Show Caption Hide Caption Apple will use Alibaba AI tech in iPhones Apple Inc.'s iPhones will use Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.'s AI technology, the Chinese firm's chairman said, affirming reports the e-commerce pioneer had scored a coveted role in helping power the iPhone in the world's top mobile arena. Chairman and Co-founder Joe Tsai confirmed this during a panel at the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai. Bloomberg Alibaba on Thursday flagged plans to invest more in its "core businesses" of e-commerce and AI-powered cloud computing after reporting third-quarter revenues just above analysts' estimates on strong year-end sales. U.S.-listed shares of the company BABA.N were up 11% in early morning trading. Chief executive Eddie Wu, speaking to analysts, said AI was "the kind of opportunity for industry transformation that only comes around only once every few decades." He said Alibaba would invest more in AI and cloud computing over the next three years than it had in the past decade but did not put an exact figure on the investment amount. The company's revenue was 280.15 billion yuan ($38.58 billion) for the three months ended December 31, compared with 279.34 billion yuan expected by 17 analysts polled by LSEG. Chinese retailers such as Alibaba have cut prices and intensified promotional offers to revitalise consumer spending and drive sales at their core domestic e-commerce businesses. Healthy demand from international markets and increased spending by customers towards the year-end helped the company boost sales. China's annual Singles' Day sales event, a nationwide shopping festival in October and November, often viewed as a consumer sentiment barometer, ran longer than usual and led to a 26.6% rise in sales in major e-commerce platforms, according to data provider Syntun. Alibaba's domestic e-commerce business Taobao and Tmall Group produced revenue growth of 5% for the quarter and company executives said the division would continue to focus on market share stabilisation in the near future. 'AI juggernaut' Alibaba has kicked off 2025 as a winner in China's AI race, drawing in investors with strategic business deals. Its share price has risen more than 40% since the beginning of the year. "When it comes to Alibaba's AI strategy ... we aim to continue to develop models that extend the boundaries of intelligence," Wu said, adding that AI could eventually "have significant influence on or even replace 50% of global GDP". The inclusion of Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma in a meeting of private enterprise leaders chaired by China's President Xi Jinping this month, and photos of Ma shaking hands with Xi, has further raised investor confidence in Alibaba. "Alibaba has bagged a seat on the AI juggernaut and is now reaping rewards ... it's what is going on under the bonnet in terms of AI which is really moving the dial," said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown. "Alibaba has carved out a significant niche in the rapidly expanding world of cloud computing, providing the backbone for AI operations," she added. Alibaba said it is teaming up with Apple to power iPhones sold in China with its AI solutions, solidifying its foothold in a market where homegrown rival DeepSeek is making waves with cost-effective models. Alibaba unveiled an upgraded version of its Qwen 2.5 AI model in late January, saying it outperforms DeepSeek-V3. Alibaba's Cloud Intelligence Unit's revenue grew 13%. The company's international e-commerce business, which includes cross-border player AliExpress, wholesale B2B site and other regional platforms, remained one of its fastest growing, with 32% revenue growth in the quarter. Alibaba last November announced the integration of its domestic Chinese and international e-commerce platforms into a single business unit, the Alibaba E-commerce Business Group, bringing together the Taobao and Tmall Group and the Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group. In further steps to streamline its focus on core businesses e-commerce and cloud, Alibaba in recent months has shed assets, including offloading department store chain in time for a $1.3 billion loss in December. ($1 = 7.2613 Chinese yuan renminbi) Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru and Casey Hall in Shanghai; Editing by Arun Koyyur and Jane Merriman
Zawya
20-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Visa and ADIB sign MoU at World Governments Summit 2025
The agreement seeks to establish a cooperation framework for Visa's Advanced Cybersecurity Capabilities, supporting ADIB's digital security strategy and reinforcing UAE's position as a global incubator for cybersecurity innovation. Dubai, UAE – Visa (NYSE: V), a global leader in digital payments, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) to collaborate on an enhanced threat intelligence solution and integrate its advanced cybersecurity capabilities with digital payments. This strategic partnership aims to bolster ADIB's cybersecurity architecture, enhancing security for ADIB cardholders' payments and transactions in the UAE. The MoU was signed at the World Governments Summit 2025, marking a significant step in fortifying the region's digital payment security framework. The agreement establishes a framework for ADIB's participation in Visa's Advanced Cybersecurity capabilities, leveraging AI-driven fraud prevention tools and real-time risk assessment technologies to enhance payment security and combat emerging threats. The agreement was officially signed by Mohamed Abdelbary, Group Chief Executive Officer at ADIB, and Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Visa's Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager in the GCC region, marking a pivotal moment in the partnership. "As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve alongside the rapid digitalization of financial services, we are committed to strengthening the security of the UAE's payments ecosystem,' said Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Visa's Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager in the GCC region. 'At Visa, we continue to strategically invest in emerging technologies to help our partners build future-forward risk management strategies that speak to today's biggest challenges and opportunities. This agreement marks a major milestone in our efforts, and we are excited to collaborate with ADIB to pilot Visa cybersecurity solutions and reinforce the UAE's position as a global leader in cybersecurity innovation.' Mohamed Abdelbary, Group Chief Executive Officer at ADIB, added: "As we move forward with our 2035 vision with a focus on building a future ready bank, ensuring the highest standards of cybersecurity remains a top priority for ADIB. Our partnership with Visa reflects our proactive approach in integrating advanced cybersecurity technologies to safeguard our customers and deliver secure, seamless, and Sharia-compliant digital banking experiences. By enhancing our fraud prevention capabilities, this collaboration strengthens ADIB's commitment to protecting digital transactions while contributing to the UAE's vision of becoming a global leader in cybersecurity innovation.' Visa has been at the forefront of cybersecurity solutions, offering AI-powered risk detection and prevention services including Visa Advanced Authorization and Visa Risk Manager. The payment technology leader's authentication and transaction risk solutions help acquirers and merchants minimize fraud. As threats expand beyond payment transactions to target identities and information, Visa has launched a suite of solutions to safeguard credentials and information, protecting global money movement. This collaboration between Visa and ADIB underscores a shared commitment to driving innovation in payment security, ensuring the safety and integrity of digital transactions while supporting the UAE's vision of becoming a global leader in cybersecurity and financial technology. About Visa Inc. Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at About Visa, and @VisaCEMEA. Media Contact Anna Shulga Corporate Communications, GCC, Visa ashulga@ About ADIB ADIB is a leading bank in the UAE with AED 226 billion in assets. The bank also offers world-class online, mobile and phone banking services, providing clients with seamless digital access to their accounts 24 hours a day. ADIB provides Retail, Corporate, Business, Private Banking and Wealth Management Solutions. The bank was established in 1997, and its shares are traded on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). ADIB has a strong presence in five strategic markets: Egypt, where it has 70 branches, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and Iraq. Named World's Best Islamic Bank by The Financial Times - The Banker publication, ADIB has a rich track record of innovation, including introducing the award-winning Ghina savings account, award-winning co-branded cards with Emirates airlines, Etihad and Etisalat and a wide range of financing products For media information, please visit or contact: ADIB Edelman Lamia Khaled Hariz Simon Hailes Head of Public Affairs Director of Financial Communications
Zawya
16-02-2025
- Zawya
Museum of the Future welcomes global leaders and dignitaries
Dubai: The Museum of the Future welcomed several heads of state, prime ministers, senior officials, and high-level government delegations during their visit to Dubai for the World Governments Summit 2025, which concluded last week. Among the distinguished guests were Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar; Félix Ulloa, Vice President of the Republic of El Salvador; Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Laos; and Željka Cvijanović, Chairwoman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. During their visit, the official delegations explored the architectural marvel renowned as one of the world's most iconic landmarks and hailed as 'the most beautiful building on Earth.' They also gained insights into the museum's role in fostering global intellectual and knowledge-driven discourse, how the museum is exploring future trends and transformations across various fields for the benefit of humanity. Each government official explored the museum's diverse immersive exhibits, journeying from outer space to inner space. They were also briefed on the museum's pivotal role as a global platform, showcasing future opportunities and possibilities through its exhibitions, visitors, and leading forums dedicated to advancing the future of humanity and technology.
Gulf Today
15-02-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Hamdan awards $1m to Saudi teacher for educating kids with disabilities
In the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence presented the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025, valued at $1 million, to Saudi teacher Mansour Al Mansour. The ceremony, held during the World Governments Summit 2025, was attended by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that education is the cornerstone of civilisation, and a key driver of all development efforts. Knowledge and its role in shaping the future are the main enablers of nations' future building endeavours, he noted. Sheikh Hamdan said: 'The role of teachers goes beyond transferring knowledge. It includes inspiring new generations through knowledge, creativity and motivation, as well as innovative experiences, to persevere and actively engage in building the future.' Mansour Bin Abdullah Al Mansour, a teacher at Prince Saud Bin Jalawi School in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, has volunteered over 3,000 hours helping his community, including transforming the lives of hundreds of gifted orphans, and was selected from over 5,000 nominations and applications from 89 countries around the world. Now in its ninth year, the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize, a Varkey Foundation initiative organised in collaboration with UNESCO, is one of the world's most prominent awards. The Global Teacher Prize was set up to recognise one exceptional teacher who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession as well as to shine a spotlight on the important role teachers play in society. Since its launch, the Global Teacher Prize has received over 100,000 applications and nominations from around the globe. On winning the Global Teacher Prize 2025, Mansour Bin Abdullah Al Mansour said: 'Thank you to GEMS Education, the Varkey Foundation, and UNESCO for this incredible honour. It is humbling to be recognised among such remarkable educators from all around the world. Through this powerful new platform, I hope to uplift the lives of many more children in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Every child deserves the chance to shine, regardless of their circumstances, and I will continue to work towards breaking barriers so that no young person is left behind.' Sunny Varkey, Founder of the Global Teacher Prize, GEMS Education and Chairman of the Varkey Foundation, said: 'Congratulations to Mansour on winning the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025. Your inspiring journey is a true reflection of your passion, dedication, and the life-changing power of education.' Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Education, said: 'UNESCO is proud to support the Global Teacher Prize, which honours the dedication and impact of teachers worldwide. In a time of global teacher shortages, challenging conditions and technological advances, recognising and investing in teachers is essential to building a just, inclusive, and sustainable future. Teachers matter as they shape not only the next generation but the future of our societies.' Since 2001, Mansour Bin Abdullah Al Mansour has been teaching in low-income neighbourhoods, supporting students facing academic challenges, including those with disabilities, learning difficulties, and children from illiterate families. He also helped his students take part in the 'Riyali Financial Awareness Initiative', aimed at empowering low-income students by equipping them with entrepreneurship skills and financial literacy training to become financially independent. In collaboration with charitable organisations, Mansour provided interest-free loans of SAR500 per student to establish small businesses (kiosks), with students earning between SAR1,300-1,500 within two months. One student now owns a small business, generating a stable income of SAR1,500-2,500 monthly. Beyond his work with students, Mansour supports other teachers. He has authored more than 21 books on education, including subjects like innovative teaching and professional ethics, and provided over 300 training hours to educators across the Gulf region. Mansour's contributions have been so impactful that he was appointed as an international ambassador for the Hamdan Bin Rashid Foundation in Dubai, where he travels across Gulf countries sharing his expertise and training teachers. The top 10 finalists for the GEMS Education Global Teacher Prize 2025 were Brett Dascombe from Australia; Céline Haller from France; Erick Hueck from the US; Karina Sarro from Argentina; Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati from India; Muhammad Nazmi from Malaysia; Ramón Majé Floriano from Colombia; Subash Chandar K from New Zealand; and Tionge Mtambo from Malawi. Teachers applying for the Global Teacher Prize are assessed on teaching practices, how they innovate to address local challenges, achieve demonstrable learning outcomes, impact the community beyond the classroom, help children become global citizens, improve the teaching profession, and gain recognition from external bodies. The World Governments Summit 2025 convenes over 30 heads of state and government, more than 80 international and regional organisations and 140 government delegations. Its agenda features 21 global forums exploring major future trends and transformations, over 200 interactive sessions with more than 300 prominent speakers—including presidents, ministers, experts, thought leaders, and decision-makers—and over 30 ministerial meetings and roundtables attended by more than 400 ministers. The Summit will also publish 30 strategic reports in partnership with its international knowledge partners.
