EHang's Abu Dhabi deal; and more Middle East AI News

Welcome to Middle East AI News!

Good morning! This week I'm sharing my full news digest, which goes out via Substack every Thursday morning. If you'd like to receive this new digest in your email inbox earlier than this, you can?subscribe here . If you're happy receiving the Linkedin version later in the morning, then that's wonderful too!

The region’s urban air mobility race heats up, as Chinese autonomous electric aircraft startup EHang signs a deal with Monarch Holding to manufacturer its aircraft in Abu Dhabi. There are now multiple projects across Saudi Arabia and the UAE to launch electric aircraft services, but this is the first manufacturing plan to be announced.

In other news, the UAE government has published its own guide to ChatGPT and other generative AI apps for use by government departments. See the story below for the download links.

Also noteworthy, are G42’s plans to launch a series of ‘ChatGPT’ services and the launch of ADIA Lab’s new $100k financial data modeling competition, organised in conjunction with CrunchDAO.

Scroll down to find more Middle East AI News!

Have a question or want to share your own perspective? Please do leave a comment or send me a message. I'd love to hear from you!

/Carrington

Middle East AI News – 04-May-23

eVTOL

EHang to build electric aircraft in Abu Dhabi

#UAE ?#ElectricAircraft ?-?Abu Dhabi -based?Monarch Holding ?and?EHang ?plan to establish the first manufacturing plant for electric-powered aircraft and drones in the MENA region. They will also create a command-and-control center, build infrastructure such as vertiports, and provide training opportunities for Emirati talent. (WAM News Agency )

AI Policy

UAE government releases 'Generative AI' Guide

#UAE ?#AI ?- The?UAE ?government has launched a comprehensive guide on government use of generative AI applications, aiming to facilitate AI technology adoption in government work models and enhance its implementation across various fields. Downloads:?English PDF ,?Arabic PDF . (Zawya )

R&D

G42 plans to launch three ChatGPT platforms

#UAE ?#AI ?- Abu Dhabi AI company?G42 ?is developing three ChatGPT-powered platforms: an Arabic language ChatGPT, GovGPT for government services, and ClimateGPT for climate action. The platforms aim to serve the Arabic-speaking population and provide easy access to government services and climate programs. (WIRED Middle East )

Competitions

ADIA Lab launches $100k market prediction contest

#UAE ?#datamodeling ?-?ADIA Lab ?and?CrunchDAO ?have partnered to launch the?ADIA Lab Market Prediction Competition ?with a total prize pool of $100,000. The contest aims to develop next-generation financial insights through data science and machine learning. The first-place winner will receive $40,000. (Zawya )

Presight AI and Astana Hub host AI battle for startups

#Kazakhstan ?#AI ?- Abu Dhabi-based?G42 ?company?Presight AI ?and?Astana Hub ?held The AI Battle, a competition for startups in AI, big data, and machine learning. Over 70 entries participated, with top prizes awarded to Alaqan, ReLive, and ARA, receiving $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000, respectively. (Zawya )

Education

Saudi AI body starts program to bridge gender gap

#Saudi ?#AI ?-?The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) ?has partnered with?Google Cloud? to launch the Elevate Program, aiming to empower over 25,000 women globally in AI and machine learning within the next five years.?(Arab News)

AI Chat

Etihad to allow AI-powered bookings via chat app BOTIM

#UAE #aichat ?- Abu Dhabi's state carrier,?Etihad Airways , has signed a deal with technology startup?Astra Tech ?to allow customers to book flights using AI chat app BOTIM. With Astra Tech's generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) technology, customers can complete their bookings by typing in basic details, with the technology completing the rest.?(Reuters )

Rankings

UAE ranks as top Arab country on Technology Readiness Index

#UAE #DX ?- The United Arab Emirates has moved up five places to rank first among Arab countries and 37th out of 166 countries globally on the UN's?Frontier Technologies Readiness Index . The index assesses countries' readiness to adopt advanced technologies, with a focus on green innovation.?(The National )

Abu Dhabi tops MENA Smart City Index

#UAE ?#smartcities ?- Abu Dhabi has ranked as the smartest city in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) for the third consecutive year and 13th globally, according to the?IMD Smart City Index . The index evaluates infrastructure and digital services, with a focus on residents' perception and interaction across five main pillars: health and safety, mobility, activities, opportunities, and governance. (WAM )

NEOM

Suprema wins access control contract for Neom Hospital

#Saudi #SouthKorea #security ?- South Korean AI-based security company,?Suprema , has won a contract to supply access control solutions to?Neom ?Hospital in Saudi Arabia, estimated to be in the hundreds of units. The hospital will use Suprema's smart central control system, CoreStation, radio frequency ID reader XPass D2, and integrated access control security platform, BioStar 2.?(Ked Global )

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