GCC
Microsoft urges rule change on US export of AI chips to Gulf
Tech giant Microsoft has urged the White House administration to ease export restrictions on AI chips for a group of U.S. allies, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The AI Diffusion Rule, introduced by the previous presidential administration, governs access to U.S.-made advanced AI technology—particularly high-performance computing chips and AI models—aimed at limiting China’s access to computing power necessary for developing AI capabilities.
The rule has faced significant criticism, with Microsoft President Brad Smith recently voicing concerns. He stated that the rule “limits the ability of U.S. tech companies to build and expand AI data centers in allied countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia.” In a world where AI infrastructure and spending have reached unprecedented levels, Smith warns that, if left unchanged, the AI Diffusion Rule will “give China a strategic advantage in spreading its own AI technology over time,” echoing its rapid rise in 5G telecommunications a decade ago….Read more
UAE
EDGE and MEXT sign MoU to drive innovation
EDGE Group’s Learning and Innovation Factory (LIF) has signed an MoU with MEXT to boost workforce development, digital transformation, and innovation in the UAE and GCC region. As part of the MoU, LIF will be positioned as MEXT’s exclusive partner in Learning and Development, working together to design and implement upskilling programmes tailored to industry needs. In addition, LIF will serve as the entry point for MEXT’s partner companies looking to expand into the UAE…Read more
Kerno partners with DDN to advance AI computing across the UAE
Kerno, a leading manufacturer of enterprise-class infrastructure solutions, has signed an MoU with AI solutions leader DDN to develop next-generation data factory solutions across the UAE and GCC. Evgeny Ostrovskiy, CRO of Kerno, stated that through this partnership, Kerno “will continue to support the region’s drive to achieve an AI-enhanced, data-driven, and robust future.” The two companies will also invest in training programs focused on AI, cloud computing, and data factory technology to foster Emirati talent… Read more