Latest news with #Yasmina
Entrepreneur
19 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Yango's Bilingual AI Assistant Yasmina Debuts in Oman
With the launch of Yasmina in Oman, Yango Group continues its mission of bridging the gap between innovative technologies and local communities. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. Global tech company Yango Group has introduced its bilingual human-like AI assistant Yasmina in Oman. Yasmina, fluent in Arabic and English, is built into the smart speakers — Midi, Mini, and Lite, and is designed to meet the needs of users in the region through natural, intelligent voice interactions. Behind the assistant's ability to understand context and engage in natural conversations is an upgraded large language model, one of the core components of YangoAI — a suite of advanced AI technologies tailored to the GCC. Yasmina goes beyond standard functions such as music streaming and smart home control. It offers localized features, including prayer times for Muscat, traditional recipe suggestions like Omani Shuwa, and assists with planning family trips to popular destinations such as Wadi Shab. Additionally, the assistant supports faith-based activities by playing Surahs, setting Adhans, and providing accurate dates according to the Hijri calendar, helping users maintain a strong connection to their cultural and religious practices. The AI assistant encourages curiosity across all age groups by simplifying complex topics, supporting language development, and offering interactive storytelling, making it equally useful at home, in classrooms, and on the go. It has the ability to translate between Arabic and English, making it particularly useful for bilingual users and language learners, educators, and content creators. "AI technology is transforming how people live, learn, and connect, and we believe it should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. The Sultanate of Oman has shown strong momentum in embracing AI as a key part of its national digital strategy. We are proud that our ecosystem is expanding with increasingly advanced services designed to enhance the lives of Omani citizens. Through Yasmina and our broader portfolio, we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that support Oman's vision for technological sovereignty," said Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head, Yango Group Middle East. Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head, Yango Group Middle East. Source: Yango "ITHCA Group, being the technology investment arm of the OIA, actively supports initiatives within its portfolio companies that aim to adapt advanced technologies to the unique needs of users. Therefore, we highly value Yango Group's contributions to enhancing Oman's digital ecosystem. The Yasmina smart speakers will help families, students, and individuals discover the capabilities of AI in ways that feel familiar and practical. We believe that such innovations are well aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040," ITHCA Group stated. With the launch of Yasmina in Oman, Yango Group continues its mission of bridging the gap between innovative technologies and local communities. The Yasmina smart speakers are now available for purchase through various retail and online outlets across Oman. To fully enjoy everything the Yasmina smart speakers have to offer, users need to have an active Yango Play subscription, which may be subject to applicable fees and terms. Yango Play is an AI-powered entertainment super app available across multiple countries in the GCC.
Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Meet Yasmina: Oman's AI assistant that speaks fluent Khaleeji Arabic and calls the Adhan at prayer time
TL;DR: Oman introduces Yasmina , an Arabic-speaking AI assistant that mimics human interaction. It's part of the country's digital transformation push, offering real-time info and smart services via voice. The AI is designed to be emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, and accessible through smart kiosks and mobile apps. Developed in collaboration with Omani tech teams, Yasmina supports public service delivery and aims to strengthen Oman's AI ecosystem. Yasmina is a bilingual AI assistant fluent in both Khaleeji Arabic and English, developed by Yango Group specifically for users in Oman and the broader GCC region. Integrated into Yasmina smart speakers (Midi, Mini, and Lite) and the Yango Play app, Yasmina is designed to deliver culturally resonant, highly personal voice interactions. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Her advanced conversational skills stem from YangoAI's upgraded large language model (LLM), tailored for authenticity in regional dialects and context. Trained with diverse regional voices and linguistics experts, Yasmina goes beyond conventional assistants, she offers empathy, humour, and human-like dialogue rooted in Khaleeji culture. Why Yasmina Matters: A Digital Ally for Oman's Vision 2040 Yango Group introduced Yasmina in alignment with Oman Vision 2040, aiming to enhance digital literacy, local innovation, and access to technology across households, schools, and communities. ITHCA Group, the investment arm of Oman's sovereign fund, praised Yasmina as a tool that introduces AI in practical, user-friendly formats—helpful to families, students, and digital novices alike. As per Gulf Business, Islam Abdul Karim, Head of Yango Middle East, described Yasmina as part of a broader mission to deliver technology shaped for everyday life. He emphasised that Yasmina promotes AI access and aligns strategically with Oman's drive toward technological independence and digital transformation. Key Features Tailored for Omani and GCC Users Locally Relevant Content Provides prayer times for Muscat (and other cities) based on Hijri and Gregorian calendars Plays Adhans and Surahs from the Qur'an upon user request Recommends traditional Omani recipes, such as Shuwa, and offers itineraries for local sites like Wadi Shab Culturally Aware Conversations Understands and responds in Khaleeji Arabic, along with other GCC dialects Able to hold dynamic, humorous, and empathetic dialogues, enhancing user comfort and trust Educational Support & Daily Life Aid Simplifies complex topics and supports lifelong learning Offers interactive storytelling, bilingual translation, brainstorming, creative writing prompts, and even riddles for children Manages routine tasks via voice commands: setting reminders, timers, answering general questions Controls smart home devices: dimming lights, adjusting thermostats, playing ambient sounds, etc. Under the Hood: Technology Anchored in Culture Custom Large Language Model Yasmina is powered by YangoAI's proprietary LLM, engineered to support high-quality responses across Arabic and English. The model processes information with up to 38% greater relevance in Arabic and significantly fewer refusals than earlier versions, delivering richer, context-aware conversations. Extensive training data included diverse Arabic dialects and speech patterns collected from cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, ensuring Yasmina understands variations in pronunciation, slang, and stylistic nuances. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Human Oversight & Community Engagement Hundreds of regional dialect experts and content contributors took part in Yasmina's development, including naming the assistant through public feedback. This crowdsourced approach improved linguistic authenticity and regional relevance. Product Access & Platform Integration Smart Speakers Available Yasmina Mini (compact, ideal for private spaces) Yasmina Midi (larger speaker with multi-colour LED and enhanced mic array) Yasmina Lite (entry-level). Speakers are retail-ready in Oman and UAE, sold at outlets including Virgin Megastore, Sharaf DG, and via platforms like (priced at approximately AED 279–449 in the UAE). The full suite of Yasmina's features (including entertainment, smart home integration, local services, and AI responses) requires an active subscription to Yango Play, Yango Group's multi-functional entertainment platform, available across GCC. Real-World Use Cases At Home Families ask Yasmina to set prayer reminders, play Surahs, plan local outings, cook traditional meals, or calm children with bedtime stories. Smart home commands (like controlling lighting or music) are also supported. Education & Language Learning In schools or homes, Yasmina simplifies classroom topics, helps learners grasp Arabic or English, and fosters interactive thinking through questions and games. Private Use For individuals, tasks like translation, travel planning, creativity prompts, financial explanations, and emotional support are all easily initiated via Yasmina's conversational interface. Challenges & Future Prospects Building Trust in AI Achieving emotional resonance and culturally sensitive dialogue depends heavily on continuous LLM refinement and linguistic updates. Early local beta feedback has been positive, but scaling quality remains a priority. Balancing Privacy & Usability As a voice assistant, Yasmina must ensure data privacy and opt-in user control, capabilities included in the speaker hardware and app interfaces. Expanding Ecosystem Yango Group plans to add more local dialect support, content features, and app integrations. Yasmina is positioned to evolve into a central voice interface across GCC smart ecosystems, including banking, education, and public services. Yasmina is more than a voice assistant, she represents a shift in AI design philosophy: technology built around cultural relevance and everyday practicality. By blending advanced AI with local dialect understanding and regional content, Yasmina empowers users to interact naturally and meaningfully. From classrooms to living rooms, Yasmina's presence in Oman heralds a new era where AI isn't just smart, it's personally relevant.
Web Release
a day ago
- Business
- Web Release
Yango Group introduces the bilingual AI assistant Yasmina in Oman, supporting national digital transformation goals
Yango Group, a global tech company, has introduced Yasmina – the bilingual human-like AI assistant, in Oman. Yasmina, fluent in Arabic and English, is built into the smart speakers — Midi, Mini, and Lite, and is designed to meet the needs of users in the region through natural, intelligent voice interactions. Behind the assistant's ability to understand context and engage in natural conversations is an upgraded large language model, one of the core components of YangoAI — a suite of advanced AI technologies tailored to the GCC. Yasmina goes beyond standard functions such as music streaming and smart home control. It offers localized features, including prayer times for Muscat, traditional recipe suggestions like Omani Shuwa, and assists with planning family trips to popular destinations such as Wadi Shab. Additionally, the assistant supports faith-based activities by playing Surahs, setting Adhans, and providing accurate dates according to the Hijri calendar, helping users maintain a strong connection to their cultural and religious practices. The AI assistant encourages curiosity across all age groups by simplifying complex topics, supporting language development, and offering interactive storytelling, making it equally useful at home, in classrooms, and on the go. It has the ability to translate between Arabic and English, making it particularly useful for bilingual users and language learners, educators, and content creators. 'AI technology is transforming how people live, learn, and connect, and we believe it should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. The Sultanate of Oman has shown strong momentum in embracing AI as a key part of its national digital strategy. We are proud that our ecosystem is expanding with increasingly advanced services designed to enhance the lives of Omani citizens. Through Yasmina and our broader portfolio, we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that support Oman's vision for technological sovereignty,' said Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head, Yango Group Middle East. 'ITHCA Group, being the technology investment arm of the OIA, actively supports initiatives within its portfolio companies that aim to adapt advanced technologies to the unique needs of users. Therefore, we highly value Yango Group's contributions to enhancing Oman's digital ecosystem. The Yasmina smart speakers will help families, students, and individuals discover the capabilities of AI in ways that feel familiar and practical. We believe that such innovations are well aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040,' ITHCA Group stated. The expansion reflects Yango Group's ongoing commitment to digital innovation across the region. With the launch of Yasmina in Oman, Yango Group continues its mission of bridging the gap between innovative technologies and local communities. The Yasmina smart speakers are now available for purchase through various retail and online outlets across Oman. To fully enjoy everything the Yasmina smart speakers have to offer, users need to have an active Yango Play subscription, which may be subject to applicable fees and terms. Yango Play is an AI-powered entertainment super app available across multiple countries in the GCC.
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Yasmina is now in Oman: What is this human-like AI assistant capable of?
Image credit: Supplied Yango Group has officially introduced Yasmina, a bilingual human-like AI assistant, to the Omani market. Fluent in both Arabic and English, Yasmina is integrated into Yango's range of smart speakers — Midi, Mini, and Lite, offering users a natural, intelligent voice interaction experience. The assistant's conversational abilities are powered by an upgraded large language model, a key part of YangoAI, the company's advanced artificial intelligence platform designed specifically for the GCC region. Localised features that reflect Omani culture Unlike conventional AI assistants, Yasmina provides features uniquely tailored to the needs of Omani users. Beyond common functionalities such as music streaming and smart home control, Yasmina offers localised content including accurate prayer times for Muscat, traditional recipe recommendations like the beloved Omani Shuwa, and helpful tips for planning family trips to regional landmarks such as Wadi Shab. Read- Faith-based functions are a core part of Yasmina's offerings. Users can listen to Surahs, set Adhans, and receive precise dates based on the Hijri calendar, supporting cultural and religious practices with convenience and respect. Enhancing education and language skills Yasmina is designed to foster curiosity and learning for all ages. It simplifies complex topics, supports language development, and provides interactive storytelling, making it a valuable tool not just at home but also in classrooms and on the move. Its bilingual capabilities enable seamless translation between Arabic and English, which benefits bilingual users, language learners, educators, and content creators alike. Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group Middle East, emphasized the transformative role of AI in everyday life: 'AI technology is transforming how people live, learn, and connect, and we believe it should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. The Sultanate of Oman has shown strong momentum in embracing AI as a key part of its national digital strategy. We are proud that our ecosystem is expanding with increasingly advanced services designed to enhance the lives of Omani citizens. Through Yasmina and our broader portfolio, we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions that support Oman's vision for technological sovereignty.' Echoing this sentiment, the ITHCA Group, the technology investment arm of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), praised Yango Group's contribution to the country's digital ecosystem. 'The Yasmina smart speakers will help families, students, and individuals discover the capabilities of AI in ways that feel familiar and practical. We believe that such innovations are well aligned with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040,' the group said. Step forward in regional digital innovation The introduction of Yasmina in Oman underscores Yango Group's dedication to advancing digital innovation across the Gulf region. By bridging cutting-edge AI technologies with local culture and user needs, Yango Group continues its mission to connect communities with tools that enhance everyday living. Yasmina-enabled smart speakers, Midi, Mini, and Lite, are now available for purchase at various retail and online outlets throughout Oman. To access the full suite of Yasmina's features, users are required to have an active Yango Play subscription. This AI-powered entertainment super app is currently available across multiple GCC countries and may involve fees and specific terms.
TECHx
2 days ago
- Business
- TECHx
Yango Launches Yasmina AI Assistant in Oman
Home » Emerging technologies » Artificial Intelligence » Yango Launches Yasmina AI Assistant in Oman Yango Group, a global technology company, has announced the launch of Yasmina, a bilingual AI assistant, in Oman. Yasmina is integrated into Yango's smart speaker lineup, including the Midi, Mini, and Lite. The assistant supports both Arabic and English, offering natural, human-like voice interactions tailored for the region. The company revealed that Yasmina is powered by an upgraded large language model, part of the YangoAI suite. This suite includes advanced AI technologies designed for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Yasmina provides more than just music streaming or smart home control. It delivers localized features, such as: Prayer times specific to Muscat Traditional recipes like Omani Shuwa Travel planning to destinations like Wadi Shab It also supports religious activities by playing Surahs, setting Adhans, and using the Hijri calendar for accurate date tracking. The assistant aims to boost curiosity and learning across all age groups. It simplifies complex topics, encourages language development, and offers interactive storytelling. Yasmina also translates between Arabic and English, supporting bilingual users, educators, and content creators. Islam Abdul Karim, Regional Head of Yango Group Middle East, stated that AI is reshaping lives and should be accessible to everyone. He highlighted Oman's strong embrace of AI as part of its digital strategy and affirmed Yango's commitment to supporting technological sovereignty. ITHCA Group, the technology investment arm of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), expressed support for Yango's efforts. The group emphasized that Yasmina aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and helps bring AI into daily life in practical ways. Yango reported that the Yasmina smart speakers are now available for purchase across various retail and online outlets in Oman. To access all features, users require an active Yango Play subscription, which may be subject to fees. Yango Play is an AI-powered entertainment app available in multiple GCC countries. The launch reflects Yango's broader goal of bridging advanced technologies with local communities across the region.
