As the global system continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, artificial intelligence and other technologies have emerged as central forces driving this transformation. This was vividly demonstrated at the annual Gitex Global held in Dubai last week.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the world is at a “pivotal moment when countries worldwide shift from fragmented AI adoption towards nation-scale intelligence strategies – where computing power, data, institutional readiness and governance combine to drive economic and societal transformation … [thereby] moving experimentation into full AI integration, laying the foundation of AI-native societies”.
At Gitex, UAE companies and institutions demonstrated a growing demand for cloud computing services and AI solutions, reflecting an increasingly competitive landscape driven by quality, productivity, flexibility and proactive innovation. The discussions were highly specialised, featuring top-tier experts and thought leaders from G42, OpenAI, Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, Khazna Data Centres, Cerebras and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, alongside entrepreneurs, developers, investors and policymakers.
Together, they explored the evolving architecture of intelligence infrastructure and the vision for a Global Intelligence Grid – a concept poised to redefine how AI integrates into every facet of life.
In addition to advancing research for faster, more secure and efficient digital services, Gitex centred its discussions on the future – emphasising the importance of anticipating and actively shaping what lies ahead. The event marked a shift from passive forecasting to proactive engagement, aiming to narrow the conceptual gap between the present and imagined future.
One standout topic was the conversation around the transportation revolution, envisioning a seamless mobility ecosystem integrating “metro rail, buses, electric taxis, cycling networks and autonomous systems”.
OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, speaking through a video link at Gitex, said that “every country is going to need to have an AI strategy”, describing the UAE’s approach as “an example for the rest of the world”.
Since 2008, Abu Dhabi has been investing in semiconductor technologies and global AI firms, with its partnership with GlobalFoundries serving as clear evidence of this commitment. These early investments underscore the UAE’s foresight in embracing AI at a time when few anticipated its emergence as a key player in the field. Despite facing numerous challenges, Minister of Artificial Intelligence Omar Al Olama views the country’s current achievements as a testament to its capacity for leadership – and as a source of inspiration for continued innovation and progress.
The Abu Dhabi Digital Government Strategy 2025-2027 sets an ambitious goal: to make Abu Dhabi the first government in the world to fully rely on AI by 2027. Emirati officials regard the launch of the “self-government” feature on the Tamm platform this month as a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey towards building the government of the future.
The UAE’s forward-looking strategy centres on fostering innovation and integrating AI technologies to boost productivity, enhance quality of life and build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all. In recent years, the country has made strategic investments across key sectors – including semiconductors, infrastructure, data centres, software, technology-enabled services, life sciences, automation and robotics – where AI is poised to deliver substantial economic value and transformative impact.
The urgency of these conversations continues to grow in parallel with the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure
This year’s discussions, agreements and initiatives at Gitex went far beyond surface-level conversations about AI, robotics and automation. They underscored the transformative role of emerging technologies in reshaping the requirements, priorities and services of individuals, businesses and governments. A key focus was on identifying the most effective strategies for delivering flexible and secure cloud infrastructure, while demystifying complex concepts such as quantum computing and translating them into tangible innovations and smarter, more secure and more competitive services.
The dialogue also evolved from general discussions on cybersecurity and AI’s role in its advancement to exploring actionable strategies and techniques for rapidly transitioning from threat detection to neutralisation. The goal is to achieve comprehensive security and resilience in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. This focus is particularly crucial as cyberattacks, deep fakes and the misuse of AI present mounting challenges with far-reaching financial, security and regulatory implications.
The urgency of these conversations continues to grow in parallel with the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure – including energy demands and data centre capacity – driven by the increasing scale and sophistication of AI technologies.
In summary, Gitex has established itself as a prominent global technology platform and knowledge hub focused on exploring future trends and strategic predictions that will reshape our world and influence resource allocation, priorities and budgets in new directions.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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What is a calorie?
A food calorie, or kilocalorie, is a measure of nutritional energy generated from what is consumed.
One calorie, is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C.
A kilocalorie represents a 1,000 true calories of energy.
Energy density figures are often quoted as calories per serving, with one gram of fat in food containing nine calories, and a gram of protein or carbohydrate providing about four.
Alcohol contains about seven calories a gram.
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015
- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany
- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people
- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed
- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest
- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
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Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
Ziina users will be able to use the app to help relief efforts in Beirut, which has been left reeling after an August blast caused an estimated $15 billion in damage and left thousands homeless. Ziina has partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to raise money for the Lebanese capital, co-founder Faisal Toukan says. “As of October 1, the UNHCR has the first certified badge on Ziina and is automatically part of user's top friends' list during this campaign. Users can now donate any amount to the Beirut relief with two clicks. The money raised will go towards rebuilding houses for the families that were impacted by the explosion.”
The specs
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo and dual electric motors
Power: 300hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 520Nm at 1,500-3,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.0L/100km
Price: from Dh199,900
On sale: now
Scoreline
Abu Dhabi Harlequins 17
Jebel Ali Dragons 20
Harlequins Tries: Kinivilliame, Stevenson; Cons: Stevenson 2; Pen: Stevenson
Dragons Tries: Naisau, Fourie; Cons: Love 2; Pens: Love 2
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
THE BIO: Martin Van Almsick
Hometown: Cologne, Germany
Family: Wife Hanan Ahmed and their three children, Marrah (23), Tibijan (19), Amon (13)
Favourite dessert: Umm Ali with dark camel milk chocolate flakes
Favourite hobby: Football
Breakfast routine: a tall glass of camel milk
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPECS%3A%20Polestar%203
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELong-range%20dual%20motor%20with%20400V%20battery%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E360kW%20%2F%20483bhp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E840Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESingle-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20touring%20range%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20628km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.7sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20210kph%20%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh360%2C000%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeptember%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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Match info
Manchester United 1 (Van de Beek 80') Crystal Palace 3 (Townsend 7', Zaha pen 74' & 85')
Man of the match Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
Major matches on Manic Monday
Andy Murray (GBR) v Benoit Paire (FRA)
Grigor Dimitrov (BGR) v Roger Federer (SUI)
Rafael Nadal (ESP) v Gilles Muller (LUX)
Adrian Mannarino (FRA) Novak Djokovic (SRB)
The specs
Engine: 6.2-litre supercharged V8
Power: 712hp at 6,100rpm
Torque: 881Nm at 4,800rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 19.6 l/100km
Price: Dh380,000
On sale: now
'Shakuntala Devi'
Starring: Vidya Balan, Sanya Malhotra
Director: Anu Menon
Rating: Three out of five stars
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Results
2.15pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner: Hello, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihi (trainer).
2.45pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner: Right Flank, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh115,000 1,000m
Winner: Leading Spirit, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
3.45pm: Jebel Ali Mile Group 3 Dh575,000 1,600m
Winner: Chiefdom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh105,000 1,400m
Winner: Ode To Autumn, Patrick Cosgrave, Satish Seemar.
4.45pm: Shadwell Farm Conditions Dh125,000 1,200m
Winner: Last Surprise, James Doyle, Simon Crisford.
5.15pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,200m
Winner: Daltrey, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihi.
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
BLACK%20ADAM
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