UAE’s G42 Group advances sovereign AI with a $92m ADNOC contract, new enterprise tools, Europe expansion and cultural tech projects
Technology
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Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy
Expand North Star 2025 launches new features as Dubai hosts world’s biggest startup event
Expand North Star 2025 marks its 10th anniversary with five new features, including ScaleX, Green Impact, and Deeptech Summit, strengthening Dubai’s role as a global tech hub
Intel
Intel shares surge to 52-week high as Nvidia decides to invest $5bn in it
Nvidia investing in Intel’s common stock at a purchase price of $23.28 per share; CEO Huang calls it an “incredible investment”
Innovation City
RAK Digital Assets Oasis rebrands as Innovation City to become world’s first AI-powered free zone
Innovation City in Ras Al Khaimah will operate as the world’s first AI-powered free zone, designing regulatory frameworks, services, and support systems enhanced by artificial intelligence
SPACE42
UAE’s Space42 and Viasat to form JV to improve universal connectivity
New company Equatys to enable global Direct-to-Device services and evolve existing Mobile Satellite Services to a 5G network environment
e&
UAE’s e& enterprise to partner with Serbia in tripling its data centre capacity
The MoU signed will strengthen Serbia’s role as the Balkans’ sovereign cloud hub and extends e&’s digital corridor between MENA and Europe
cybersecuirty
Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity sector grows 19% to $4.9bn GDP contribution
Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity market hit $4.1bn in 2024, adding $4.9bn to GDP with 19% growth, says NCA report
Apple
iPhone 17 launch sparks wave of AI-driven phishing scams across UAE and Saudi
Security researchers warn of sophisticated scams targeting UAE and Saudi consumers as Apple’s latest release fuels a wave of fraud
Altera
Abu Dhabi’s MGX and Silver Lake acquire majority stake in Altera
Intel to retain 49% stake in the company, which is into programmable semiconductor solutions
ByteDance
US, China reach TikTok framework deal
ByteDance has until Wednesday to secure a buyer for its US arm or risk being barred from operating in the country
Cyber Security Council
UAE Cyber Security Council warns 1.4 billion accounts hacked monthly worldwide
The UAE CSC cautioned that data with weak security measures can lead to privacy violations, account takeovers, phishing attacks and identity theft
Apple iPhone Air: All you need to know about the tech giant’s thinnest phone ever
It’s the thinnest iPhone ever made, measuring just 5.6mm, weighing 165gm despite a large 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR display and several advanced features
Dubai
UAE proptech startup PRYPCO secures major funding from General Catalyst for real estate innovation
The investment marks General Catalyst’s first PropTech commitment in the Middle East region
Cyber Security
70% of smart home devices in the UAE could be hacked, warns Cyber Security Council
The UAE Cyber Security Council warns that 70% of smart home devices are vulnerable to hacking, urging families to boost passwords, updates and privacy settings
E-commerce
Saudi E-Commerce Council to provide 650 free online stores for small businesses
Saudi Arabia’s E-Commerce Council will give 650 free online stores to micro and small businesses, boosting digital growth under Vision 2030
FTSE
G42 to offer nearly 2% of Presight shares to institutional investors
The move will increase free float and improve liquidity and help its inclusion in the FTSE Emerging Market Index
Construction
Oman launches construction digitisation drive to boost real estate standards
Muscat has signed four cooperation deals with universities, industry bodies and a digital platform to modernise construction, boost efficiency and attract investment, officials say