Microsoft opened an artificial intelligence centre for energy in Dubai - its first in the world - to develop technologies that could be used globally.
The centre, known as Microsoft Energy Core, was inaugurated virtually on Wednesday and is based at the company’s office in Dubai Internet City. The US technology giant is aiming to start developing AI-focused technology from this centre by September.
"It's a global initiative ... Microsoft's first centre to focus solely on energy and sustainability ... majorly we will be exploring AI and cloud computing," Omar Saleh, Microsoft's Middle East and Africa head of energy and manufacturing, told The National.
“Currently, the foremost priority is to develop new AI technologies that could be used in [the] energy sector globally.”
Microsoft has joined forces with ten global partners to run the centre. They include Honeywell, Rockwell Automation, ABB, Sensia, Accenture, Aveva, Emerson, Schlumberger, Maana and BakerHughesC3.ai.
“To ensure we are on the same page and pursuing ethical principles of AI, we have constituted an industry board … we will meet every quarter to evaluate the developed prototypes, discuss challenges and bring fresh ideas on the floor,” Mr Saleh said.
The technology giant, whose local clients include Emirates Airlines and Dubai Airports, did not reveal the amount it has invested into setting up the centre.
“There has been a big push and investment from Microsoft's side. There is huge demand for AI solutions in [the] energy sector and that is giving us confidence,” Mr Saleh said.
Microsoft's move comes as global tech giants address digital transformation needs within the energy sector. Spending on energy-related AI is expected to reach $7.78 billion (Dh28.6bn) by 2024, according to a report by BIS Research in January.
Companies such as IBM, Amazon, Google and ABB are already selling digital solutions to the biggest oil and gas companies in the world.
In one of the industry’s first collaborations, announced last year, the US oil and gas major Chevron teamed up with the world’s biggest oilfield services firm, Schlumberger, and Microsoft to accelerate the creation of digital technologies.
In November last year, state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company announced a 10-year partnership with Honeywell to use its monitoring platform as it embarked on a major predictive maintenance project.
Besides the AI centre that was first announced in November last year, Microsoft also launched an AI Academy to provide digital skills to energy industry workers
It also has agreements with global universities to educate undergraduate and post graduate students through its AI Academy.
“The academy’s aim is to train people to address the most pressing challenges faced by the energy sector – most of them pertaining to sustainable operations and responsibly dealing with the environment,” said Mr Saleh.
“Currently we are conducting online classes and workshops due to the Covid-19 restrictions … many individuals have enrolled for these virtual sessions that are already up and running.”
Microsoft has also committed to ambitious environmental sustainability goals. By 2030, the company aims to be carbon negative and by 2050, it aims to remove all the carbon it has emitted since it was founded in 1975.
The Microsoft Energy Core is "part of our unwavering commitment" to "reshape the future of the energy industry and drive a positive impact in our communities", said Samer Abu Ltaif, president of Microsoft MEA.
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What are the GCSE grade equivalents?
- Grade 9 = above an A*
- Grade 8 = between grades A* and A
- Grade 7 = grade A
- Grade 6 = just above a grade B
- Grade 5 = between grades B and C
- Grade 4 = grade C
- Grade 3 = between grades D and E
- Grade 2 = between grades E and F
- Grade 1 = between grades F and G
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
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What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Boulder shooting victims
• Denny Strong, 20
• Neven Stanisic, 23
• Rikki Olds, 25
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
• Suzanne Fountain, 59
• Teri Leiker, 51
• Eric Talley, 51
• Kevin Mahoney, 61
• Lynn Murray, 62
• Jody Waters, 65
The bio
Favourite vegetable: Broccoli
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange
Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania
Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.
Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes
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Company Profile
Company name: NutriCal
Started: 2019
Founder: Soniya Ashar
Based: Dubai
Industry: Food Technology
Initial investment: Self-funded undisclosed amount
Future plan: Looking to raise fresh capital and expand in Saudi Arabia
Total Clients: Over 50
The specs: 2018 Renault Koleos
Price, base: From Dh77,900
Engine: 2.5L, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 170hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 233Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.3L / 100km
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THE SPECS
Engine: 4.4-litre V8
Transmission: Automatic
Power: 530bhp
Torque: 750Nm
Price: Dh535,000
On sale: Now
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
