Latest news with #دبي
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE: More Arabic AI models needed to preserve cultural identity, says UAE official
As the global AI race heats up, the UAE is making a strategic push to ensure that the Arabic language isn't left behind. A top official at the 23rd Arab Media Summit (AMS) in Dubai stressed the urgent need for more Arabic-focused artificial intelligence models to safeguard cultural identity and empower future generation. 'The integration of Arabic into AI isn't optional , it's essential for preserving who we are,' said Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the President of the UAE and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University. 'Language is not just a means of communication, it's the environment of thought. If we want our future generations to retain their cultural identity, Arabic must be embedded in our AI systems and educational tools.' Earlier this month, the UAE launched a new Arabic language AI model. Falcon Arabic, developed by Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), that aims to capture the full linguistic diversity of the Arab world through a high-quality native (non-translated) Arabic dataset. This year's three-day summit, which began in Dubai on Monday, will bring together top media figures, policymakers, and cultural influencers from across the Arab world and beyond, to discuss challenges and transformations in the media and education sectors. Cultural bridges Nusseibeh, a key figure in the establishment of major Western academic institutions in the UAE such as Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and New York University Abu Dhabi, emphasised that the goal was never to import foreign models blindly, but to create cultural bridges. 'The idea behind bringing global universities here was to expose Arab youth to global education while preserving their identity,' he explained. 'French was the language of Sorbonne, English for the American University, but the cultural environment has always remained Arab.' Elias Bou Saab, Deputy Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament and Executive Vice President of the American University in Dubai, who took the stage in the session with Nusseibeh, added: 'Western institutions in the UAE should be seen as bridges, not branches,' he said. ' The UAE model proves you can adopt international standards without compromising your roots.' Both Nusseibeh and BouSaab stressed the urgency of anchoring modern education in Arabic language and culture. 'In this digital age, it's easy for young Arabs to become detached from their heritage,' Nusseibeh warned. 'It is the responsibility of parents, educators, and policymakers to ensure that Arabic remains central, even in tech-driven educational environments.' Leading in gamification, digial storytelling Highlighting the rapid evolution of media education in the country, Bou Saab noted that universities in the UAE are taking the lead in fields like gamification and digital storytelling. 'The American University in Dubai, in partnership with the University of Southern California, was among the first to introduce gaming into media studies,' he said. He added that today's students are not just consuming content, they're creating it. 'With AI and digital platforms, anyone can become a content creator. That's why our curricula must adapt to teach ethical responsibility, fact-checking, and cultural context.' The UAE's early investment in culture and education has made it a regional model for transformation. 'When Sheikh Zayed founded UAE University in 1976, some advisors told him it wasn't a priority,' Nusseibeh recalled. 'Today, it ranks among the top universities in the Arab world, and is on its way to breaking into the global top 200.' With over 80,000 graduates now contributing across the public and private sectors, UAE University reflects the country's broader vision: to blend global excellence with Arab authenticity. 'In everything from the Louvre Abu Dhabi to Sorbonne University to the Falcon AI model, the UAE is showing the world that cultural confidence and global ambition are not mutually exclusive,' said Nusseibeh.
Arabian Business
3 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan to begin official visit to Oman
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, will begin an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman on Monday, leading a high-level delegation. The Crown Prince will meet with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of Oman, during the visit. He will hold discussions with senior Omani officials with the aim of enhancing cooperation and reinforcing the bonds between the two countries, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement. حمدان بن محمد يقوم بزيارة رسمية إلى سلطنة عُمان غداً على رأس وفد رفيع المستوى. ويلتقى سموه خلال الزيارة جلالة السلطان هيثم بن طارق، سلطان عُمان، ويجري مباحثات مع عدد من كبار المسؤولين العمانيين حول سبل تعزيز الشراكة والتعاون الثنائي ضمن مختلف المجالات التنموية في ضوء العلاقات… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 25, 2025 Dubai Crown Prince's Oman visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation Sheikh Hamdan will be accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ). Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, will also accompany the Crown Prince during the visit. The delegation includes several ministers and officials. Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, will join the visit. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, will also be part of the delegation. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, will accompany the Crown Prince. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Application, will also attend. Maryam bint Ahmed Al Hammadi, Minister of State, will be included in the delegation. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, will participate in the visit. Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai, will join the delegation. Lieutenant General Talal Belhoul Al Falasi, President of Dubai's State Security Department, will also accompany the Crown Prince. Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, will be part of the visit. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Chairman of the Dubai International Chamber of Commerce, will complete the delegation.
Arabian Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE's Islamic T-Sukuk auction attracts AED 6.93bn in bids
The UAE Ministry of Finance announced the successful completion of the May 2025 auction of UAE Dirham-denominated Islamic Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk) amounting to AED 1.1 billion. The issue received an overwhelming response, with the total bids reaching AED 6.93 billion, amounting to an oversubscription rate of 6.3 times. The overwhelming response underscores the strong confidence of investors in the country's creditworthiness and Islamic finance framework, the ministry said. The issuance forms part of the T-Sukuk issuance programme for the year 2025. The auction attracted robust demand from eight primary dealers across both tranches – the reopening of the May 2027 tranche and the newly issued 5-year tranche maturing in May 2030, the ministry said. The Islamic Treasury Sukuk auction continues to succeed in enhancing the investment environment and boosting the competitiveness of the local debt capital market. Discover the results for May. #MoFUAE — وزارة المالية | الإمارات (@MOFUAE) May 22, 2025 The auction results highlighted competitive, market-driven pricing with a yield to maturity (YTM) of 3.99 per cent for the May 2027 tranche and 4.06 per cent for the May 2030 tranche. The Islamic T-Sukuk programme plays a vital role in supporting the development of the UAE's dirham-denominated yield curve, offering secure investment instruments for a wide range of investors. Besides, it reinforces the local debt capital market, contributes to the development of the broader investment landscape, and supports the UAE's long-term economic sustainability and growth objectives.
Gulf Business
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
Dubai's RTA adds 200 parking spaces, warns of Emirates Road delays
Image credit: Wam (For illustrative purposes only) Dubai's Read- The delays are expected to continue until August 30, 2025. The RTA advises drivers to plan their journeys in advance to ensure timely arrival. Expected delays on Emirates Road towards Sharjah due to maintenance and rehabilitation works between Dubai-Al Ain Road and the Al Amardhi-Al Awir Road intersection towards Sharjah during weekends from 5:00 PM to 8 PM, until August 30, 2025. — RTA (@rta_dubai) As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance traffic flow across Dubai, the RTA has upgraded the traffic light system at the intersection of Al Doha and Halab Streets. The improvements include the addition of a new lane on Al Doha Street—boosting road capacity and enabling smoother movement through the signal. انطلاقاً من سعيها الدائم نحو حركة مرور أكثر سلاسة على جميع الطرق في — RTA (@rta_dubai) The authority has also developed 200 parking spaces to serve the Community Development Authority in Hatta and constructed a temporary gravel road from the Makan district towards the Hatta-Dubai Road. Traffic flow has also been improved at the intersections of King Salman Street with Braih and Al Gharbi Streets in the Jumeirah Beach Residence area, allowing the tram to operate at traffic signals while maintaining smooth vehicle movement. مشاريعنا في شهر مايو مستمرة لتطوير شبكة الطرق وخدمات التنقل، بما يعزز جودة الحياة في دبي ويدعم نموها المستدام. — RTA (@rta_dubai) Additional parking spaces have been provided at Emirates National School, Al Khawaneej. Motorists can also find a new lane on Dubai-Al Ain Road towards Dubai, beneath the Hind City Bridge.
Dubai Eye
11-04-2025
- Dubai Eye
Dubai Police arrests biker after viral stunt videos
Dubai Police have tracked down a motorcyclist spotted in viral videos performing dangerous stunts. The biker was caught weaving through traffic at high speeds and even riding without using the handlebars. Major General Saif Al Mazrouei, Acting Assistant Commandant for Operations at Dubai Police, said the rider used two different bikes in separate incidents and tried to hide his identity, but was eventually identified and caught by specialised police teams. The motorcycle has been impounded and the rider now faces legal action. As per the vehicle impoundment law, getting the bike back could cost him AED 50,000. Police are reminding the public that reckless behaviour on the roads will not be tolerated and are urging people to report dangerous driving through the Dubai Police app or by calling 901. Dubai Police have arrested a reckless rider seen performing dangerous stunts on his motorcycle at dangerously high speeds in viral social media videos, disregarding traffic laws and public safety. Under Decree No. (30) of 2023 regarding vehicle impoundment, a release fee may be… — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) April 11, 2025
