The United Arab Emirates has announced the introduction of Falcon Arabic, a new Arabic-language artificial intelligence model, as part of its ambitious push to lead global AI innovations. The model, created by Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), is intended to properly reflect the richness and complexity of the Arabic language by employing a wholly local, non-translated dataset. This strategic move comes as the Gulf region steps up efforts to establish itself as a prominent participant in the AI field. The UAE, a major oil exporter, is investing billions of dollars to
Beyond Imagination, Ray Kurzweil's humanoid robots firm, is reportedly in advanced talks to raise $100 million in Series B funding, with Gauntlet Ventures as the sole investor. According to a statement made on Tuesday, the company's latest investment round is expected to be worth $500 million. The company, co-founded by AI futurist Kurzweil and scientist-entrepreneur Harry Kloor, seeks to reinvent manufacturing through humanoid robotics and AI integration. Kurzweil, well known for his prediction of "the singularity" — a future point when artificial intelligence outperforms human intellig
Vast, a US-based space habitation corporation, has expressed interest in collaborating with the ISRO on the ambitious Bharat Antariksh Station, which is expected to be finished by 2035. Max Haot, the company's CEO, recently met with ISRO officials to discuss potential partnerships in space technology. Haot invited to welcome Indian scientists and engineers aboard Vast's planned space station, which is set to launch next year. Vast's Haven-1, a single-module station, is set to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in May 2026. With a three-year estimated operational life, it is a stepping ston
India plans to improve its satellite-based surveillance capabilities by launching a new radar satellite on Sunday morning. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the EOS-9 satellite from Sriharikota's Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 5:59 a.m. using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). This flight represents ISRO's 101st major rocket launch. The EOS-9, weighing 1,696 kilogrammes, will be launched into orbit over 500 kilometres above Earth. The satellite, developed at ISRO's UR Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, is equipped with a synthetic aperture radar in the C band
GISEC Global 2025, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, saw India and the UAE strengthen their bilateral cybersecurity engagement. The Data Security Council of India (DSCI), in collaboration with CIO Klub, held the second edition of the Indo-UAE Cybersecurity Exchange, which aimed to encourage strategic engagement between the two countries in the digital domain. Participants included top-tier cybersecurity professionals, legislators, and technology executives from India and the UAE. DSCI brought up a dedicated India Pavilion, which showcased over 15 Indian cybersecurity startups. These
India aims to considerably improve its space-based defence infrastructure by launching 52 surveillance satellites over the next five years. Pawan Kumar Goenka, Chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), verified the development during the Global Space Exploration Conference-2025. The ambitious program intends to improve real-time monitoring and surveillance capabilities for the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Goenka stated that, while the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has historically overseen such initiatives, private-sector involvem
The inaugural Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit (GETS 2025) was held in Abu Dhabi, and it was hosted by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. The Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) organised the event in collaboration with the UAE Public Prosecution, which was a regional first in technology governance. The conference brought together policymakers, legal experts, technology developers, and youth leaders to discuss frameworks for the ethical use of modern technologies. Day one drew ove
India has put forward a "zero-for-zero" tariff proposal to the United States, seeking to eliminate import duties on steel, auto parts, and pharmaceutical products up to a certain amount. The idea is part of broader trade negotiations that aim to reach a bilateral deal between the two countries by the fall of 2025. The concept was apparently suggested by Indian officials during their late-April visit to Washington. The duty-free agreement would only apply to certain import quantities. Any volume above the agreed-upon threshold would still be subject to India's usual tariff charges. This ste
Hong Kong has launched a new drive to encourage additional listings from technology and biotechnology companies. The move is part of the city's overall plan to strengthen its position as a global financial hub and capitalise on Chinese enterprises' growing interest in raising funds overseas. The new framework, known as the "technology enterprises channel," was announced on Tuesday and is intended to make the listing process more efficient. It will make it easier for specialist IT firms and biotech enterprises to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The strategy is supported by the exchang
Thailand has taken a significant step towards strengthening its national cybersecurity framework by completing the second phase of its large-scale training program. Over 100,000 people across the country have now been taught critical cybersecurity skills. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society leads this program, known as the "Intensive Cybersecurity Capacity Building Program II," which is carried out by the National Cybersecurity Agency. Deputy Prime Minister and DE Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong presided over the programme's conclusion ceremony, emphasising its significance in bu