UAE technology market will expand on the back of AI and cloud-computing growth
Technology
Blockchain
Mastercard expands Crypto Credential to UAE and Kazakhstan
It simplifies consumer experience allowing crypto exchange users to send and receive cryptocurrencies using simple aliases instead of complex blockchain addresses
Blockchain
Dubai developer DAMAC, MANTRA collaborate to tokenise $1bn in real-world assets
The Dubai developer’s assets in the Middle East will be available early this year on the MANTRA chain
Artificial intelligence
Cisco reveals tech trends for 2025; praises MENA region for AI readiness
The US-based company calls the Middle East “a hub of innovation, with rapid adoption of AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and smart city initiatives”
Artificial intelligence
IO.NET founder invests $130mn in O.XYZ, the world’s first shutdown-resistant super intelligence
Shadid’s investment builds on his remarkable success as the founder of IO.NET, which he led to a valuation of $4.5 billion within just 12 months
Abu Dhabi
Audiomob sets up MENA headquarters in Abu Dhabi to expand regional presence
The company has also formed an exclusive partnership with Vodoo, one of the world’s largest mobile gaming publishers
Damac Properties
UAE billionaire Hussain Sajwani, Donald Trump announce $20bn investment in US data centres
The first phase will span Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Indiana
Dana White
UFC boss Dana White elected to Meta’s board of directors
Zuckerberg developed a friendship with White because of his interest in recreational mixed martial arts; Investors John Elkann and Charlie Songhurst also elected
Bitcoin mining
Phoenix Group launches 50MW crypto mining facility in the US
The North Dakota facility was built in a record time of less than 5 months and will add 2.7 exahashes to the company’s global hash rate
Beyond ONE
Virgin Mobile rolls out unique ‘Switch Postpaid’ plans in Saudi Arabia
The plan allows customers to pay only for the data they consume
Connectivity
Thuraya 4 set to enhance Space42’s capabilities after successful launch
The highly-advanced sixth geostationary satellite will help the UAE-based SpaceTech company’s plans to introduce 15 new products
DEWA
DEWA launches Microsoft Copilot framework in major AI push for 2025
DEWA began its AI journey in 2017 and was amongst the first utilities worldwide to implement Microsoft’s Copilot
Apple
Apple to pay $95 million to settle ‘Snoopy Siri’ class action lawsuit
Apple denied wrongdoing in agreeing to settle; Lawsuit alleges Siri recorded without trigger words and these were then shared with advertisers
NVIDIA
Nvidia market value soars $2 trillion in 2024 on AI surge
Apple continued to lead global companies in market value, nearing a historic $4 trillion valuation
Dubai
Mohamed Alabbar: Inside the mind of the man who helped build Dubai – and isn’t done yet
The real estate and technology mogul shows no signs of slowing down, declaring ‘I’m just having so much fun’
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia introduces mandatory USB Type-C charging from January 1
Saudi Arabia has introduced new rules demanding USB Type-C charging for mobile phones and electronic devices
AI technologies
Cisco study: 43% UAE tech partners expect majority revenue from AI tech in 5 years
Study a part of global survey in 29 markets; 69% believe inexperience in deploying new technologies is the biggest challenge they face