The United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is set to meet US President Joe Biden at the White House to discuss deepening cooperation in AI and advanced technology. The UAE, a major oil producer and long-time US ally, has ambitions to build its own tech industry and seeks increased access to American technology. However, US officials are cautious about the UAE’s growing ties with China, which has led to restrictions on certain tech exports.
In response to US concerns, the UAE has taken steps to reduce Chinese influence in its tech sector, including removing Chinese hardware and selling off investments from Chinese companies. These moves came ahead of a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft into G42, a UAE-based tech firm. Despite concerns, the US sees potential to strengthen AI collaboration with the UAE, which is investing heavily in the field, with a focus on developing its own AI capabilities.
The UAE hopes that its investment in AI will secure its position as a global technology leader, well beyond its oil-producing years. While China also views the UAE as a potential long-term AI partner, Emirati officials have expressed a desire for closer alignment with the US, prioritising transparency and partnership in their AI ambitions.
UAE-based AI firm G42 has announced a partnership with US chipmaker Nvidia to focus on developing advanced climate technology. A new operational base and lab will be established in Abu Dhabi to create AI solutions that improve global weather forecasting. This collaboration comes as the UAE seeks to diversify its economy away from oil through heavy investment in AI technologies.
UAE’s government-backed G42 has been making strides in the AI sector, forging agreements with various US firms. Recently, G42 and Microsoft revealed plans to open two AI centres in Abu Dhabi, further expanding the Gulf nation’s capabilities in AI research. These developments align with Abu Dhabi’s broader goals of advancing technological cooperation with the US.
While the UAE builds on AI collaboration, concerns have emerged in Washington about US technology potentially reaching China. To counter this, the US government has introduced stricter export controls on AI chips to the region. However, this has not hampered the UAE’s ambitions for AI growth and strategic partnerships.
Next week, UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit the White House, marking a historic moment. Discussions will centre around regional security and technological cooperation in AI with President Joe Biden, reinforcing the strategic relationship between the two nations.
According to a statement from the Vietnamese government, Vietnamese and US businesses have reached several agreements to collaborate on energy, AI, and data infrastructure. These partnerships were sealed during a business forum in the US, marking a step forward in economic cooperation between the two nations.
The memorandums of understanding (MoUs) include vital agreements such as a technology transfer deal between PetroVietnam and Kellogg Brown and Root, a partnership on liquefied natural gas (LNG) between PetroVietnam’s subsidiary PTSC and Excelerate Energy, and an AI and data centre development collaboration between Sovico Group and U.S.-based Supermicro. Budget airline Vietjet signed a $1.1 billion deal with Honeywell Aerospace Technologies for avionics and technical services to support its aircraft fleet.
Vietnamese President attended the forum To Lam, who is set to meet with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Lam highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration between the two countries and expressed hope that the US would become Vietnam’s top foreign investor.
Vietnam has also been advocating for the US to officially recognise it as a market economy, a status that could ease trade tensions and reduce anti-dumping duties. However, the US Commerce Department recently classified Vietnam as a non-market economy, a designation Vietnam has long sought to change. If Vietnam reapplies, the process for review could take months.
LinkedIn has paused the use of UK user data to train its AI models after concerns were raised by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The Microsoft-owned social network had quietly opted users worldwide into data collection for AI purposes but has now responded to the UK regulator’s scrutiny. LinkedIn acknowledged the concerns and expressed willingness to engage with the ICO further.
The decision to halt AI training with UK data follows growing privacy regulations in the UK and the European Union. These rules limit how tech companies, including LinkedIn, can use personal data to develop generative AI tools like chatbots and writing assistants. Like other platforms, LinkedIn had been leveraging user-generated content to enhance these AI models but has now introduced an opt-out mechanism for UK users to regain control over their data.
Regulatory bodies like the ICO continue to monitor big tech companies, emphasising the importance of privacy rights in the development of AI. As a result, LinkedIn and other platforms may face extended reviews before resuming AI-related activities that involve user data in the UK.
Demetris Skourides, the Chief Scientist, spoke at the Learning Innovation Summit 2024, stressing the significance of ethical AI development. He emphasised the EU AI Act’s role in establishing trustworthy AI systems that focus on ethics, transparency, and accountability. Skourides advocated for AI’s application in education, pointing out its ability to personalise learning, automate tasks, and enhance teaching environments.
He praised rapid AI advancements in Cyprus, with more than 50 companies leveraging the technology across key industries like healthcare and finance. Skourides highlighted the country’s commitment to upholding the EU AI Act, ensuring that AI systems meet the highest standards of accountability and ethics. The Chief Scientist also noted how Cyprus could generate new job opportunities through this AI revolution.
The potential for AI to transform education was a central theme. Skourides discussed the benefits of adaptive learning platforms, which can tailor lessons to individual students’ strengths, enabling each learner to reach their full potential. He urged educators to embrace AI, foreseeing a shift from rote memorisation to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration in the classroom.
Finally, Skourides called for a balanced approach to AI development. By equipping future generations with digital skills and ensuring that ethics remain central, AI’s power can be harnessed to drive both economic growth and innovation. He reaffirmed his commitment to advancing AI in education and collaborating with industry leaders to create an empowering learning environment.
African perspectives are vital for developing AI solutions tailored to the continent’s unique challenges, according to US officials. At the Global Inclusivity and AI: Africa Conference, the acting Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, Dr Seth Center, and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Joy Basu, emphasised the importance of African representation in shaping global AI policies.
The event focused on fostering deeper conversations about AI’s potential role in Africa’s development. Basu praised the diverse voices from across the continent and stressed the need for African leaders to influence AI’s future applications, especially in sectors like agriculture and healthcare. The conference marked a pivotal step in increasing African engagement in critical technology discussions, which are already being supported in global forums like the G20 and the United Nations.
AI could help Africa achieve its Sustainable Development Goals, addressing key challenges across agriculture, healthcare, and education, according to Dr Seth Center. He noted the transformative role AI can play in boosting economic development, reducing poverty, and improving healthcare access. However, collaboration, both regional and global, will be essential to ensuring that AI is developed responsibly.
Startups and entrepreneurs will play a significant role in shaping Africa’s AI landscape, with many countries already crafting national AI strategies. The African Union is also working on governance frameworks to enable cross-border collaboration. These efforts will help unlock opportunities for innovation, ensuring AI’s benefits reach all parts of the continent.
Mercor, an AI-driven recruitment platform, has secured $30 million in a Series A funding round, bringing its valuation to $250 million. The round attracted high-profile investors, including tech figures Jack Dorsey, Peter Thiel, Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo, and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. Benchmark’s Victor Lazarte and Bill Gurley led the round.
The platform uses AI to help companies recruit talent from leading firms such as Apple, Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Nvidia. With over 300,000 candidates now in its pool, Mercor is streamlining the hiring process for employers.
The company’s recent success reflects a growing trend of significant investments in AI startups. Earlier this month, Safe Superintelligence, co-founded by former OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, raised $1 billion to advance its AI development efforts.
AI is forecast to add a cumulative $19.9 trillion to the global economy by 2030, according to a recent IDC study. This growth includes direct revenue from AI companies and investments in infrastructure. By that year, AI-related activities could contribute 3.5% to global GDP.
IDC reports AI spending will involve direct, indirect, and induced categories. Direct spending includes revenue from AI companies and their investment in hardware, while indirect spending covers the construction of data centres and related hiring. Induced spending, meanwhile, represents the broader economic impact of AI advancements.
Every dollar invested in business-related AI solutions in 2030 is expected to generate $4.60 into the global economy. However, IDC’s analysis does not cover potential changes in jobs or wages, which many believe AI adoption could affect.
A survey from IDC revealed that 48% of workers expect part of their roles to be automated within two years. While job automation is a significant concern, full automation remains rare, with only 3% expecting their jobs to be completely automated.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recently hosted the Digital Skills Forum in Manama, Bahrain, addressing the pressing need for digital skills in today’s technology-driven society. With nearly 700 participants from 44 countries, the forum emphasised urgent calls to action aimed at bridging the digital skills gap that affects billions around the globe.
‘Digital skills have the power to change lives,’ asserted Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU Secretary-General, highlighting the union’s dedication to fostering an inclusive digital society. In response to this challenge, ITU introduced the ‘Digital Skills Toolkit 2024,’ a comprehensive resource to support policymakers and stakeholders in crafting effective national strategies to close digital skills gaps.
That toolkit seeks to empower diverse sectors, including private enterprises and academic institutions, by providing essential insights and resources within an ever-evolving technological landscape. Furthermore, the forum underscored the importance of lifelong learning and continuous upskilling, particularly in advanced fields such as AI and cybersecurity. ‘Addressing the digital skills gap requires strong partnerships and a commitment to investing in digital education,’ emphasised Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau.
Bahrain’s leadership in promoting digital skills was prominently featured, reflecting its dedication to international cooperation and innovation. Young entrepreneurs showcased their innovative approaches to digital education, demonstrating the transformative potential of technology in shaping the future.
When planning his summer trip to Amsterdam and Ireland, Jason Brown opted for ChatGPT over traditional travel resources. The founder of People Movers used the AI tool to design a detailed itinerary for his family, outlining activities in Dublin and Galway. He described the experience as ‘fantastic,’ noting how quickly ChatGPT generated organised suggestions for each day. While he implemented many of the AI‘s recommendations, he also appreciated personal connections for uncovering local treasures.
The growing influence of generative AI in travel planning is clear, with tools like Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot becoming increasingly popular. A recent survey found that one in ten Britons have turned to AI for travel arrangements, with many showing interest in using it again. However, challenges persist, as many users reported receiving generic or inaccurate information. Experts stress the need to verify AI-generated content with trusted sources, such as residents or travel agents, to ensure accuracy.
Sardar Bali, co-founder of the AI travel planner Just Ask Layla, argues about the need for accuracy in AI-generated content. His team uses a two-step verification process to enhance reliability, though he admits that errors can still happen. Meanwhile, major companies like Expedia are incorporating AI into their services to simplify complex travel planning by offering personalised suggestions.
However, not all experiences with AI in travel planning have been positive. Freelance writer Rebecca Crowe faced challenges with AI-generated itineraries that were often impractical and outdated, especially when looking for gluten-free dining options. She recommends using AI mainly for inspiration, while also cross-referencing information with trusted blogs and travel guides to ensure accuracy and save time.
