The release follows the first anniversary of the Gemma model family, which has seen over 100 million downloads and more than 60,000 variants created by developers
Technology
Connectivity
Space42, Cobham Satcom unveil IP NEO satellite broadband for critical sector connectivity
The IP NEO is designed to support industries that demand secure and uninterrupted communications
Artificial intelligence
UAE conglomerate Belhasa partners with Samsung for AI-powered business transformation
The agreement envisages Samsung leveraging its comprehensive enterprise portfolio to enhance the Belhasa Group’s internal operations and customer offerings
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
MoHRE completes over 34 million smart transactions in 2024, up 59% from 2023
MoHRE stated that the growth reflects the ministry’s adoption of digital solutions and deployment of AI technologies
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Space Agency signs MoU with Korea to boost space sector sooperation
The MoU between Saudi Space Agency and Korea Aerospace Administration to support deep space tech, satellite launches, and space science
Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA)
UAE’s Asteroid Belt Mission advances as critical design review completed
The review yielded positive results, reflecting remarkable progress in the national team’s capabilities, and reinforcing the preparations for the mission launch
Connectivity
Space42 and Viasat to explore shared global 5G Non-Terrestrial Network
Will address growing opportunities in direct-to-device satellite communications to smartphones – a market that is expected to reach $50bn in 2032
Airtel
Airtel signs deal to help ease Starlink’s satellite broadband entry in India
The agreement will see Starlink equipment in Airtel’s retail stores, and its services accentuated through Airtel’s ground network infrastructure
Abu Dhabi
AIQ secures $340mn contract to deploy agentic AI across ADNOC operations
It will reduce tasks like seismic analysis, geological modelling and real-time process monitoring from months to days
Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s X suffers major outage; global users report access issues
DownDetector, a website which tracks internet outages, reported two significant waves of user issues with X
Artificial intelligence
China launches ManusAI: What is the new DeepSeek AI rival all about?
Manus is available through an invitation-only web preview, with plans for a broader release in the future
Abu Dhabi
CEO of Abu Dhabi-based Phoenix Group hikes stake in the company
The company also disclosed that it continues to evaluate the potential for a future US listing
digital transformation
Digital ticketing innovations reduce over 50% paper consumption in MENA region: Research
Moreover, reports of fraud involving events with mobile tickets have fallen by approximately 85%
e&
e&’s Smiles aims to replicate WeChat success with Tencent Cloud deal
Cloud integration will allow partner brands to seamlessly onboard as ‘mini apps’, broadening the choice for consumers
Du
UAE’s du partners with AWS, Nokia to launch cloud-based 5G network innovation
The UAE telecom major will deploy Nokia’s Cloud RAN solution using AWS’s cloud services to explore and develop key use cases in wireless networks
Beyond ONE
Beyond ONE partners with TIMWETECH to boost digital content access in Saudi Arabia, Oman
The tie-up will enable customers to subscribe to premium streaming, gaming, and infotainment services without needing traditional banking relationships
Doha
Qatar signs 5-year agreement with GSMA to host MWC Doha
The inaugural edition of the event will take place on 25-26 November 2025 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center
