The UAE AI’s Office and Samsung sign MoU to advance AI adoption and development among youth
DUBAI, UAE:– The UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office and Samsung Gulf Electronics have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on driving artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and development in the UAE. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding came as part of the efforts of the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office to achieve the targets of the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy and its ambitious goals to establish the UAE’s global leadership in the field of artificial intelligence by 2031. It also aligns with Samsung’s objectives and efforts in this field through joint work to use the capabilities of artificial intelligence to enhance economic growth, contribute to sustainable development, and improve the well-being of life in communities.
Saqr binghalib, the Executive Director of the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office, and Seong H Cho, President of Samsung Electronics MENA signed a Memorandum of Understanding during the activities of the “AI Retreat 2024,” organized by Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) in collaboration with the National Program for Artificial Intelligence.
Saqr binghalib affirmed that expanding partnerships between the government and the private sector represents an important factor in achieving the visions and directions of the UAE government. This aims to solidify the UAE’s position as a leading global destination in the field of artificial intelligence. By accelerating the growth of the AI ecosystem to reach global levels through the integration of leading technical expertise with AI and technological expertise worldwide, we can achieve our national strategies and program objectives. This also contributes to building future competencies and empowering the next generation of AI pioneers.
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DooHee Lee, President of Samsung Gulf Electronics, said,
“Samsung believes in the power of technology and AI to make a positive impact on society. We are proud to partner with the UAE Office of AI to support the UAE’s ambitious vision for AI. Together, we will work to drive AI adoption in government, nurture local AI talent, and showcase how AI can be used as a tool for positive transformation. This collaboration builds on our ongoing efforts, such as the recent launch of Galaxy AI, to push the boundaries of what is possible with AI.”
As part of the MOU, the two organizations will jointly pursue efforts to promote AI learning by the youth through various initiatives. These include integrating Samsung’s Innovation Campus (SIC) CSR program into the UAE’s AI Summer Camp 2024 edition, as well as collaborating to launch the Galaxy AI Pioneers program to train youth on AI.
The Galaxy AI Pioneers program is a month-long course designed for students aged 13-18, offering a comprehensive introduction to artificial intelligence, machine learning, and coding using Python. The curriculum covers vital AI concepts, including deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and AI robotics. Delivered in a hybrid online and onsite format, the program provides a blend of theoretical learning and hands-on experience.
Students will work towards developing applications that showcase their understanding of AI technologies, leveraging Galaxy AI features to support their innovative ideas. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate from the UAE Office of AI, recognizing their achievement and newly acquired skills in AI.
Morover, Samsung Innovation Campus is Samsung’s global citizenship program that provides ICT education to students and youth. In addition to core competencies such as AI, IoT, Big Data, Coding, and Programming, the program trains participants on a range of soft skills to foster talented youth who will go on to shape our future society.
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Hypermedia Unveils ‘The Royals’ at Palm Jumeirah
Hypermedia, the regional leader in DOOH media experiences and technology, proudly announces the launch of ‘The Royals’, an elite network of six premium digital unipoles strategically located at the entrance and exit of Dubai’s iconic and luxurious Palm Jumeirah.
Handcrafted with detailed precision from sustainable materials and incorporating energy-efficient LED technology, these majestic landmarks will stand as the epitome of elegance, luxury and sophistication. They capture immediate attention, while delivering maximum brand visibility for the locale’s high-end audience.
This foray into premium positioning is an exciting development for Hypermedia, as they introduce a new luxury segment into their already diverse portfolio, pioneering new ways for premium brands to connect with one of Dubai’s most affluent neighborhoods.
Habib Wehbi, Chairman and Group CEO of W Group Holding, stated, “‘The Royals’ at Palm Jumeirah marks a significant milestone for Hypermedia and aligns perfectly with our Group’s vision of excellence and innovation. This strategic addition enhances our portfolio, promotes sustainable growth, and sets a new standard in luxury advertising. We are committed to driving forward the future of digital advertising, providing premium brands with unmatched visibility and engagement.”
The Palm Jumeirah itself is an iconic feat of ingenuity and innovation, known the world over for its impressive number of attractions, Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end hotels. With the inauguration of ‘The Royals’ blending seamlessly into these opulent surroundings, luxury advertisers can be assured of superior placements, displayed on huge LED screens for maximum impact.
In addition to the 30,000+ residents, The Palm Jumeirah also plays host to 5m visitors every year, further driving up the affluent demographics of this premium location. As ‘The Royals’ becomes the leading authority in luxury digital media signage, it’s clear that a new era of premium advertising is upon us.
“This isn’t just an advertising opportunity – it’s a gateway to making a resounding statement, boosting brand presence, and maximizing ROI in a less cluttered environment, ensuring your brand message stands out to a specific affluent audience,” explains Philip Matta, CEO of Hypermedia.
“The Palm Jumeirah offers the ultimate in luxury island living, with huge potential to attract, target and captivate high-net worth individuals at key strategic locations. By leveraging our expertise in deploying the latest technologies and digital smart solutions, we continue to propel the DOOH industry forward, transforming these vibrant communities into immersive media hubs for luxury brands”.
Powered by DXTA Technology, the sites will utilize mobility modeling in the data capture phase. Unlike technologies that look at geo-fences around OOH locations and capture Device IDs in proximity, this source models the data to understand mobility and minimize lost exposure, to accurately predict audience traffic and provide advertisers with valuable insights for campaign planning optimization.
This marks only the beginning of Hypermedia’s ambitious journey to create a luxurious DOOH ecosystem, harnessing the unique allure of The Palm Jumeirah, a global landmark and destination. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking additions to ‘The Royal Palm, a Majestic Media Collection’, set to redefine luxury advertising soon.
UM MENAT’s James Dutton on Advertising Trends and Strategies
James Dutton, Chief Product Officer at UM MENAT, brings over 20 years of global sales and marketing leadership to the table. With a strong background in driving customer success and revenue growth, James is a seasoned expert in digital, media, and CRM, as well as SaaS startups. In this exclusive interview, James shares his insights on the evolving advertising landscape, the power of gaming in reaching consumers, and the future of AI in marketing. Join us as we delve into James’s expertise and vision for UM MENAT and the industry at large.
Congratulations on your appointment as the Chief Product Officer for UM MENAT! How has your journey in the advertising industry been so far? What are your future plans with UM MENAT?
First of all, thank you for inviting me to this interview and for the congratulations. I’ve been fortunate to have the opportunity to work across various regions worldwide throughout my career journey. It began in the UK, followed by stints in Singapore covering APAC, the US, a return to Singapore, and presently in Dubai, where I have been overseeing the MENAT region for UM for the past four years.
Over the past 25 years, I’ve witnessed significant evolution within the industry, which has required continuous learning, adaptation, and knowledge sharing with our teams across the region. Each day presents new challenges, creating an environment where I view myself less as an industry dinosaur and more as someone constantly learning and innovating to address our clients’ ever-evolving growth challenges, now and in the future.
Looking ahead to the coming weeks, months, and years, our industry is moving at an ever-increasing pace, demanding swift adaptation in our structures, working methods, and
tools to reflect these changes. As part of the global leadership team within UM, I am fortunate to collaborate with a diverse group of experts, each of whom brings unique experiences and insights to solve our clients’ most pressing issues. We find ourselves navigating a transition from the digital era to an era of intelligence, where innovation and strategic foresight are paramount.
The previous year has been the year of AI. What new innovations do you foresee concerning AI in marketing and advertising in 2024, especially in the MENAT region?
References to AI are nearly inescapable today. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the AI space has been around for over 70 years, with pioneers like Alan Turing laying its foundation in the 1950s. Many of the software solutions and analytics models we use today are rooted in the principles that form the building blocks of modern AI, including machine learning.
The speed of AI industry development is impressive, and while new technologies are appealing, it’s crucial to consider the human element in AI solutions. Globally, we’re cautious in experimenting with various APIs and technologies while ensuring the integrity of consumer and brand privacy. Internally, we’ve been working on AI technologies for the past five years, but we recognize that this is just the beginning. It’s essential to avoid rushing to a finished product when advancements are continually evolving.
During a recent interview, you mentioned that the MENAT region will be the epicentre of gaming. How can brands leverage the power of gaming to reach consumers?
Thank you for raising this point. Gaming enjoys universal popularity across all demographics, and we’re witnessing a particularly unique trend in the MENAT region, fueled by significant investments in gaming infrastructure in countries like KSA and UAE. Compared to global averages, consumers in MENAT exhibit a higher inclination towards gaming, and for brands seeking to connect with a broad audience base, gaming represents the most effective avenue for fostering audience engagement within the largest entertainment category.
UM MENAT recently released a brand growth initiative called uplay which aims to reshape the game landscape for ad agencies and elevate the brand strategies through gaming. Can you shed light on this initiative and how it will be advantageous for the gaming boom in the MENA region?
As we explored gaming with our clients, it became apparent that many brands hesitated to enter the gaming space due to a lack of category knowledge and the perceived complexity of gaming strategies.
After months of global and regional analysis and discussions with clients, we developed a go-to-market planning framework consisting of three modules: reasons to play, brand gaming blueprint, and a bespoke activation wheel. These components, when combined, create a unique gaming DNA for brands. Through workshops and brand audits, we’re able to swiftly navigate the complexities of gaming, enabling brands to confidently enter the gaming universe with a tailored solution.
We’re proud to say that uplay is not a department, product, or team, but rather an integral part of our media toolkit, seamlessly integrated into our operations.
In terms of purchasing habits, GEN Z customers are shifting away from traditional brick-and-mortar stores and shifting to social media and e-commerce. What are your thoughts on this and how could it impact the overall consumer buying experience?
While there is a shift to online purchasing, and different regions are moving at varied speeds, it’s not a new phenomenon. Having been involved in eCommerce solutions since the late 1990s in the UK, I’ve witnessed this evolution firsthand. Across various industries, we encounter varying levels of eCommerce focus. For instance, CPG brands often require a more channel-less approach, given that traditional retail still dominates in terms of volume.
To address challenges such as payments, internet access, and infrastructure, we’re actively engaged in conversational commerce initiatives with clients. Leveraging messaging apps and AI-powered chatbots, we facilitate brands’ engagement with new customers. Moreover, our scope extends to regions like Africa, where eCommerce complexities demand innovative solutions.
UM MENAT has recently announced its partnership with Google’s International Growth Agency Programme, providing the agency with tools and resources to facilitate growth. Can you elaborate more on how this will help the agency grow globally?
The region’s ambitions are exemplified by leading airlines like Emirates, powerhouse tourism boards in Egypt, KSA, and Dubai, and even the ambitious Giga projects in KSA. Additionally, regional financial entities engaging in global markets underscore the region’s determination to establish a strong global presence
At UM, we’re fortunate to partner with numerous global MENAT brands, leveraging our extensive experience in executing global media campaigns through our teams in KSA, UAE, Qatar, and Egypt. When the opportunity arose to enhance our collaboration with Google through its international growth program, we seized it eagerly. This initiative provides our teams with access to Google’s strategy and planning tools, typically reserved for Google category experts. This collaboration also accelerates our capacity to operate effectively in global markets while leveraging our local presence in the region.
Xiaomi and Chain Reaction Partner to Enhance Market Share in UAE
Chain Reaction and Xiaomi UAE have teamed up to transform Xiaomi’s brand strategy and expand its market share in the United Arab Emirates. Xiaomi’s relationship with its local audience is expected to change as a result of this partnership. The goal of Chain Reaction is to get more people in the area to consider the brand’s products.
Xiaomi partners with Chain Reaction to revolutionize brand strategy
This is an approach to breaking into the high-end technology market. The collaboration will investigate activities most appropriate for Xiaomi’s brand positioning through an innovative strategy that customizes the brand rollout. To give Xiaomi a unique voice in the UAE while maintaining the core of the brand, Chain Reaction also intends to rework the company’s social media strategy.
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Here’s what they said
As reported by Campaign Middle East
Chain Reaction’s General Manager, Khaled Akbik, said,
“We are thrilled about our partnership with Xiaomi UAE in a strategic effort to transform their communication and engagement with the local audience. By enhancing their UAE social media presence, we aim to create content that deeply resonates with the local market, reflecting the unique attributes and innovative spirit of Xiaomi. Our collaboration has already seen success with the Ramadan campaign ‘Ramadan XIAOMIS’, and we are just as excited about the launch of the latest POCO F6 range. This release is set to revolutionize the gaming experience, delivering unparalleled performance and features that gamers will love. It’s undoubtedly the best POCO release to date.”
Katherine Sun Fuyang, Senior Marketing Manager at Xiaomi, said the partnership emphasizes the brand’s commitment to ‘Innovation for Everyone’. She added,
“Our collaboration focuses on broadening our market presence and deeply connecting with the UAE’s diverse audience, embodying our core values of innovation, quality, and accessibility.”
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Havas Bruno Araldi: Crafting Brand Narratives Across Continents
Bruno Araldi, the seasoned Strategy Director at Havas Middle East, shaping brand narratives from Brazil to the vibrant landscape of the UAE. With a wealth of experience, he seamlessly blends creativity with cultural resonance, crafting campaigns that leave an indelible mark.
In this interesting conversation, we uncover his journey and explore the innovative strategies propelling brands to new heights in the dynamic world of advertising.
Congratulations on your appointment as the Strategy Director at Havas Middle East. Can you please take us through your journey and share some noteworthy experiences with us?
I began my career in strategy in my hometown of Porto Alegre, Brazil, fueled by a passion for advertising and an interest in both the business and creative aspects. I was fortunate to work in reputable advertising and branding agencies during my early experiences and, most importantly, to benefit from excellent mentorship.
From there, I transitioned to Rio de Janeiro, where I spent three years at a content hotshop leading Nike’s digital communication in Brazil during the World Cup and Olympics period.
Following my time in Rio, I moved to São Paulo, where I spent approximately five years at creative agencies such as BBDO and Wieden+Kennedy, crafting strategies and contributing to the creation of award-winning campaigns for clients including AbInbev (Corona and Skol Beats), Motorola, Audi, CBN Radio, Unilever (Omo), and Airbnb.
Seeking international experience, exposure to diverse cultures, and professional growth as a strategist, I relocated to the UAE and have resided in Dubai for the past four years. Initially, I worked at Leo Burnett, collaborating with a wide range of clients with a focus on local and regional markets. Recently, I embarked on a new role at Havas Middle East, an agency renowned for its strong creative reputation in the region. I am thrilled to now be a part of it.
As someone with a solid background in advertising, having worked in the Brazilian or LATAM market, as well as relocating to UAE (MENA), how did you connect with the audiences in both markets?
People are people all over the world, so I firmly believe that continually striving to understand human beings and demonstrating empathy are essential attributes for anyone working with strategy in creative environments. This involves drawing from our own life experiences and cultivating an interest in fields like psychology and sociology.
Additionally, cultural behaviors and consumption habits naturally vary from country to country and region to region. Therefore, research is indispensable. Utilizing digital tools, engaging in social listening, conducting market assessments, seeking insights from experts, and conducting consumer interviews are pivotal for adapting to the diverse nuances of each market.
Moreover, when collaborating with different cultures, being an outsider places us in an intriguing position to offer fresh perspectives that can enrich the work.
You are passionate about helping brands find their voices and resonate with their audiences, so what are some of the key components you keep in mind when formulating strategies?
I prioritize the brand voice and product truth above all else.
Brand voice encompasses what the brand stands for and how it communicates and behaves in the world. It must be carefully crafted, nurtured, and consistently maintained, shaping people’s experiences and memories of the brand.
Product truth entails ensuring that we stay true to the essence and unique attributes of the product. This is what captures people’s interest and motivates them to take action.
Building on this foundation, brands must uncover insights and opportunities related to people’s lives, culture, and industry. These elements are integral to every strategy, revealing opportunities to be more meaningful and establish differentiation.
In today’s era of abundant content consumption and diminished brand connections, it’s more crucial than ever for companies to refine their voices and delve deeper to create memorable and resonant experiences for people.
In Ramadan, brands are looking to invest a significant amount in their marketing strategies. How is Havas building around this and what do you think about advertising during Ramadan?
To build differentiation during such an important and competitive moment as Ramadan, it’s essential to delve into the cultural forces shaping each year’s holy month. Although it holds fundamental values, people’s mindsets continue to evolve, new behaviors emerge, and there are significant differences in how people experience it in key markets across the region.
At Havas, we believe in placing meaningfulness at the core of everything we do, and Ramadan presents a pivotal opportunity for brands to deliver meaningful messages and experiences. To achieve this, we consistently access data, studies, and develop our own research methods to stay closely connected to people and abreast of the latest behaviors and trends. We utilize this knowledge to generate insights and ideas for our brands across disciplines—Creative, Media, and PR.
In the MENA region, the Saudi Vision 2030 is set to disrupt the advertising and media industries. How is Havas preparing to adapt to this and what are your opinions on this?
All the transformations occurring in the kingdom present opportunities for new business and for creating meaningful work for our brands operating in Saudi Arabia.
People’s lives are changing at the fastest pace ever, with significant transformations across all areas of society, culture, and the economy. While the nation’s vision propels these changes, there is an ambitious and creative energy emanating from a largely young population, making Saudi Arabia an effervescent country. Emerging behaviors and new initiatives are being launched across the nation. All of this necessitates continuous learning and adaptation to create new, meaningful ways of connecting with people in the country.
It’s no longer possible to stay ahead of the curve without technology. With the burgeoning growth of AI and Metaverse, especially in the MENA region, how can you achieve a competitive advantage?
Technology enhances the possibilities for brands to connect with people, and it also facilitates and amplifies the ways we work. It’s not an enemy but an ally of human intuition and creativity.
Being open to it and experimenting, the possibilities are endless. Using AI as an example, it can assist in everything: from extracting initial learnings from large volumes of data, exploring different insights, enhancing processes, finding new segments and niche audiences, to creating more effective content, and even to developing new products and services.
Insights from Publicis Amir Zeitouni: Navigating UAE’s Communication Landscape
Amir M Zeitouni, the accomplished Business Director at Publicis Communications UAE. With a wealth of experience in the telecommunications industry, Amir brings a unique blend of strategic vision and creative ingenuity to his role. Spearheading innovative communication strategies, he is renowned for his adeptness in navigating challenges and consistently delivering exceptional results. In this exclusive interview, he offers invaluable insights into his journey, strategies, and the keys to his success in the ever-evolving realm of communications.
Having worked across the advertising, creative, and telecommunications sectors, how has your professional experience been? What have been some of the challenges and lessons you have learned?
In the fast-paced realm of telecommunications, the advertising industry is already fiercely competitive. My journey through advertising, creativity, and telecom has been both stimulating and rewarding.
Navigating through the years, and balancing client demands with our creative vision has been quite the challenge. Personally, I thrive when I find the right balance between innovation and achieving concrete marketing objectives. However, it’s crucial never to underestimate the value of iteration. The ability to clearly communicate ideas and work through drafts and revisions is essential, as is the capability to articulate our creative vision convincingly to clients and stakeholders.
When delving deeper into telecom, keeping up with technical advancements and embracing the ever-changing landscape is paramount. Building strong partnerships within the industry and collaborating with other companies to achieve common goals are also vital. Notably, telecom giants are undergoing a significant transformation, transitioning from traditional service providers to comprehensive technology entities, often termed “Techcos.”
How do you ensure Publicis Communications’ strategies align with the client’s vision and marketing objectives? What KPIs do you monitor and how do you make sure they are met?
The Publicis Groupe model is designed to revolve around and fulfill all our clients’ needs. From the Power of One model, offering all solutions under one roof, to the consultancy approach, Publicis Groupe becomes your one-stop orchestra, where every instrument plays in perfect harmony to deliver your brand’s unique melody.
Our powerful model acts as the conductor, ensuring that all elements – from creative spark to strategic savvy – come together seamlessly to create a masterpiece. We don’t just meet clients’ needs; we anticipate them, becoming an extension of their team, meticulously crafting every detail to bring the brand vision to life.
In the month of Ramadan, viewer consumption patterns differ significantly from those of normal times, so how can brands leverage these differences to reach their audiences in the best way possible?
Many regard Ramadan as the “Superbowl” of the Middle East, but I believe it’s much more than that. Ramadan is an incredibly exciting time – the consumer journey shifts entirely from the rest of the year. It’s a special period where we aim to forge emotional connections and establish long-term relationships with our audience.
The alteration in viewer consumption habits during Ramadan presents a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with viewers. To make the most of these changes, brands should prioritize shorter, high-impact ads and strategically schedule their advertisements.
Is it award-winning campaigns or understanding new emerging trends and technologies or something else that presents the biggest opportunities for the UAE’s advertising agencies?
When it comes to advertising in the UAE, the sweet spot lies in staying abreast of emerging trends and technology while tackling the challenge of creating award-winning campaigns. Allow me to elaborate:
Accolades spotlight efficiency and originality, two qualities vital for attracting customers. The advertising landscape is in a constant state of flux. Agencies can craft more creative and captivating campaigns by keeping pace with and leveraging new technology and trends, such as augmented reality, virtual reality, data-driven marketing, and the rising popularity of influencer marketing. Agencies that can showcase their creative prowess through award-winning campaigns and stay ahead of the curve in terms of technology and trends will thrive.
The UAE has recently passed a decree-law aimed at controlling media operations within its borders. How has this impacted the media landscape and how are media agencies complying with it?
The UAE’s media law change presents media agencies with an intriguing new chapter. Clear standards and responsible content development are emphasized, offering a chance to prioritize quality over quantity and engage viewers with powerful messages. Media agencies are adaptable; thus, I believe they will succeed. Innovative content that complies with the new regulations may see an increase. This could foster a more positive and cohesive media environment, showcasing UAE culture and values. Overall, this is a positive step towards a more mature and responsible UAE media climate. Creative minds should be excited to develop new methods to engage audiences within this evolving landscape.
Do you have any advice for young professionals looking to get into advertising and media?
My advice to young professionals will be limited to 5 points, and I’ll elaborate a little on each:
1. Demonstrate Business Acumen: Advertising is a business, but innovation is key. Showcase how innovative ideas translate into measurable outcomes. Learn data analysis basics and showcase your skills in interpreting data for advertising strategy. Understanding marketing principles, such as customer journeys and market research, enhances your value.
2. Stand Out of the crowd: Specialize in areas like social media marketing or content production to build a strong portfolio. Highlight your business knowledge and outcomes achieved.
3. Networking like a pro: Connect with industry experts and attend relevant conferences. Use LinkedIn to engage in industry debates and network with employers. Reach out via emails or messages to introduce yourself, express interest, and showcase talents.
4. Start Strong: Seek real-world experience, even through small opportunities.
5. Embrace Persistence: Overcome challenges and show passion for the industry. Grit and a growth mindset are your secret weapons.
Bisleri Announces Launch Across UAE with Sports Collaborations
Bisleri, a popular Indian packaged drinking water brand, has recently expanded into the UAE. The brand has partnered with franchises and sporting events across the nation to help with its regional expansion. It makes use of sports’ broad appeal and power to raise brand awareness and encourage customer interaction in the area. As Hydration Partners, Bisleri has worked with some of the largest athletic events and teams in India over the past year. Likewise, the brand is using the same approach in the UAE.
Market penetration through sports alliances
As the Official Hydration Partner, the brand has partnered with the Dubai Marathon. They have also teamed up with teams from the International League T20, commonly known as DP World ILT20, a cricket league based in the United Arab Emirates. The Gulf Giants, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Sharjah Warriors, Dubai Capitals, and MI Emirates are among the teams.
As these teams’ and events’ official Hydration Partners, Bisleri claims to make sure that both customers and athletes are properly hydrated during the competition. Through the partnership, Bisleri will also be able to create consumer experiences and have a visible and consistent brand presence at events. Together with the partner teams and events, the brand will also produce digital content.
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The infrastructure and established legacy of Bisleri
With an amazing history spanning more than 50 years, Bisleri has established a solid reputation for providing clean, safe, and healthy water. This reputation supports the company’s recent entry into the UAE market. With 128 operational plants, more than 6000 distributors, and 7500 distribution trucks, mostly in India and its surrounding areas, the Indian multinational enjoys a strong infrastructure.
Dedication to sustainability
In addition to its business activities, Bisleri International is renowned for its dedication to sustainability. The organization leads programs that promote recycling, water conservation, and general sustainability, enhancing its reputation as a meticulous business.
Here’s what they said
Tushar Malhotra, Head of Marketing, Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd., said,
We are delighted to start our foray into the UAE with sporting associations such as the iconic Dubai Marathon and partnering with some of the most exciting teams – Sharjah Warriors, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates, Gulf Giants, and Abu Dhabi Knight Riders. This is in continuation of the robust sports marketing programme which we have built in India that has been very successful in strengthening the connect between Bisleri, hydration and sports as we endeavor to promote a fit and healthier lifestyle for our consumers.
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Dailyhunt MENA and SRMG Join Hands for News Transformation
Dailyhunt MENA has recently established a strategic partnership with the esteemed Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG). This collaboration signifies a significant expansion for Dailyhunt MENA within the MENA region, with the promise of elevating the Arabic media landscape to new heights. Through this alliance, there is a focused effort to enhance content offerings via Xpresso, a feature that delivers news in a story format, and Dailyhunt MENA, opening up lucrative business opportunities for the latter’s partners. This development stands as a noteworthy advancement in ongoing efforts to solidify a robust presence in the region.
As a technology-centric enterprise, Dailyhunt utilizes the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning to curate personalized feed suggestions for its users. The analysis of user engagement metrics, including click-through rates and time spent on content, enables Dailyhunt to continually refine its content curation strategies, ensuring they align seamlessly with user expectations. This commitment to leveraging advanced technologies highlights Dailyhunt’s dedication to delivering a tailored and engaging experience to its user base.
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Beyond Linguistic and Geographical Barriers
This collaboration positions Dailyhunt MENA as a key player in catering to its extensive user base, exceeding 350 million active monthly users across India and MENA, through the integration of SRMG’s publications. This will enhance user experience by providing them a platform for quick updates on local and global occurrences. Daily MENA will provide a comprehensive news ecosystem to a diverse user community.
The increasing mobile penetration in the MENA region presents a golden opportunity for innovative content delivery. Dailyhunt MENA is not only poised to promote SRMG’s Arabic content in the MENA region but is also set to expand its reach with content in English, Malayalam, and Urdu, specifically catering to the Indian subcontinent. The collaborative efforts with SRMG and the focus on linguistic diversity position Dailyhunt MENA as a frontrunner in delivering a seamless, localized, and enriched news consumption experience for users across the MENA region and beyond.
And what they said
As quoted by Campaign Middle East, Shekhar Iyer, Director and General Manager of Dailyhunt MENA, said:
“The amalgamation of SRMG’s content within Dailyhunt will enrich the MENA audience experience and align with their language needs, especially Arabic. This venture underscores Dailyhunt’s dedication to eradicating language barriers and delivering extensive news coverage to its multifaceted user community.
He further added
“It heralds an era where quality journalism surpasses geographical and linguistic confines, becoming universally accessible through the power of technology. This is a stride towards fostering a well-informed and interconnected global society, where content is not just passively consumed but actively experienced in novel and meaningful ways.
With AI and ML, we can revolutionize content curation by automating and optimizing various aspects of the process, resulting in a more tailored and engaging user experience.”
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UAE’s G42 Unveils ‘Jais’, A Powerful Open-Source Arabic AI Model
G42, the Abu Dhabi-based tech conglomerate focusing on AI announced the launch of a novel Arabic Large Learning Language Model (LLM) open-sourced by AI. The collaboration took place with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). The partnership between MBZUAI and Cerebras Systems produced the name “JAIS,” inspired by the highest peak in the UAE. A large collection of data blending Arabic and English, including some from computer code, was used to create the 13 billion parameters that make up the fresh native LLM model. It is also trained on datasets with 395 billion tokens in Arabic and English. It intends to educate 400 million Arabic-speaking people about AI’s potential. The dataset comprises 279 billion English word tokens to improve performance across languages and 116 billion Arabic tokens that reflect the diversity of the Arabic language.
Today, we are excited to announce the launch of Jais, the world’s highest quality open-source Arabic large language model (#LLM) and a collaboration between Inception, a G42 company,@MBZUAI & @CerebrasSystems. pic.twitter.com/fsMV4SHp1g
— G42 (@G42ai) August 30, 2023
How did Jais come into existence?
Cerebras Systems developed the new language model using supercomputers. It produces chips the size of dinner plates that compete with NVIDIA’s powerful AI gear. Due to the current shortage of NVIDIA processors, businesses worldwide are looking for alternatives. G42 has a subsidiary called Inception. Due to the dearth of Arabic data, the team trained the Jais model’s capacity to reason with computer code using only English language data. To give exclusive access for testing purposes, Inception and MBZUAI formed an academic relationship with several institutions. Academic collaborators include Carnegie Mellon University, The University of Edinburgh, Sorbonne Paris Nord-LIPN, NYU Abu Dhabi’s CAMeL Lab, and others. The initiative was started by a group that included academics and engineers since they claimed there weren’t many bilingual LLMs.
The Condor Galaxy (CG-1) supercomputer owned by Cerebras served as the model’s training ground. CG-1 is a part of a network of nine connected supercomputers. G42 and Cerebras Systems presented the same in July. Their supercomputers present a novel method for AI computation that promises to drastically shorten the time required for model training. Customers can benefit from the efficiency of an AI supercomputer using the CG-1 cloud service from Cerebras and G42 without having to oversee or deploy models across physical systems. Cerebras stated this year that it had sold three units to G42. The first will be delivered in the coming months and the remaining two in 2024.
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How will Jais be used?
Jais will speed up innovation and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a center for AI research, cultural preservation, and international cooperation. Through the open sourcing of Jais, Inception hopes to involve the academic, research, and developer communities. This will be done to hasten the development of a thriving Arabic language AI ecology. The language performs far better than current Arabic models and is equally viable with English models of comparable size. Other underrepresented languages in mainstream AI can use it as a model.
Several institutions will also use Jais. They include the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, Etihad Airways, the First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), and e&. Currently, users can download Jais via Hugging Face. After registering their interest on the Jais website, users can try Jais online. They can also receive an invitation to enter the outdoor setting.
Challenges facing the new LLM
The scarcity of high-quality Arabic language data available, as compared to English, presented one of the difficulties in training the model. By using media, social media, and code, Jais uses both the widely accepted current standard Arabic and the various spoken dialects of the Middle East.
Additionally, Gulf monarchies’ desire to lead in AI has raised concerns about elites abusing the technology. The most cutting-edge LLMs available right now, such as GPT-4, which drives OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s PaLM, which powers its Bard chatbot, and Meta’s open-source model LLaMA, are all capable of comprehending and producing text in Arabic. According to Andrew Jackson, the Arabic components are watered down in current models that operate in up to 100 languages.
Jais beats Falcon as well as open-source models like LLaMA, which have previously defined Arabic accuracy. Falcon’s software, according to its creators, has not been preconditioned in Arabic. The Jais model also takes a closer look at the culture and setting of the region, as opposed to most US-centric models. The model underwent rigorous testing to screen out any potentially dangerous, delicate, offending, or illicit material that did not adhere to the organization’s principles.
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Here’s what they have to say
Andrew Jackson, CEO of Inception said,
We believe that innovation thrives when we collaborate. With this release, we are setting a new standard for AI advancement in the Middle East and ensuring that the Arabic language, with its depth and heritage, finds its voice within the AI landscape. Jais is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to democratizing AI and promoting innovation.
He further said,
The UAE has been a pioneer in this space (AI), we are ahead of the game, hopefully. We see this as a global race. Most LLMs are English-focused. Arabic is one of the largest languages in the world. Why shouldn’t the Arabic-speaking community have an LLM?
MBZUAI President and University Professor Eric Xing said,
Developing such a high-caliber Arabic LLM demanded cutting-edge AI research in addition to an in-depth and nuanced understanding of the Arabic language, its diversity and heritage, and the growing importance of LLMs across all echelons of society. Thanks to our research and partnerships with Inception and other top regional and global organizations, MBZUAI will continue pioneering LLMs that are efficient, effective, and accurate.
Andrew Feldman, co-founder and CEO of Cerebras Systems further added,
Our strategic partnership with G42 is already delivering pioneering results. A few weeks ago, we introduced the first multi-exaFLOP AI supercomputer, Condor Galaxy 1 (CG-1). Now, the partnership delivers another key breakthrough: the leading Arabic LLM for the open-source community. At Cerebras our passion is building groundbreaking technology. One of the great rewards is seeing the innovative ways it is used. Jais is a significant contribution to the international open-source community. It is also a testament to how incredibly easy CG-1 is to use and how it enables extremely rapid AI model development.
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Saudi Arabia-UAE Join Global NVIDIA Chip Race Amid AI Scramble
Large IT businesses and nations are vying for NVIDIA to dominate the semiconductor chips market as a result of the development of generative AI. Most recently, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have expressed interest in purchasing NVIDIA processors to support their AI aspirations. They have joined an ever-expanding line of tech purchasers in the hunt to acquire these chips alongside Elon Musk and China.
With their purchases of thousands of NVIDIA graphic processing units (GPUs), Saudi Arabia and the UAE have both demonstrated their desire to become significant players in the AI industry. These components are crucial to the generative AI revolution that has recently swept the market.
The GPU chips
In the contest to stock NVIDIA chips, the two Middle Eastern nations will face competitors from throughout the world. They will go off against rivals like China and Elon Musk. At least 3,000 NVIDIA H100 chips costing $40,000 each were bought by Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it has ordered new semiconductors to power the nation’s large language models (LLMs).
Earlier this month, it was reported that Alibaba and ByteDance, the parent of TikTok, had purchased $5 billion worth of GPUs as concerns grow about the Biden administration limiting their access. The Chinese tech giants are scrambling to get their hands on these chips with the US government’s restrictions on investing in Chinese technologies. They include semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. The aim was to reduce China’s military access to American technology and price. The four core Chinese tech titans- Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba, and ByteDance ordered $1 billion worth of chips to be delivered in 2023. Additionally, another $4 billion worth will be delivered in 2024. Elon Musk, the owner of Tesla and an acclaimed entrepreneur, has also expressed a strong interest in purchasing thousands of chips for his generative AI project called xAI.
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Craving NVIDIA chips fear a shortage
Since ChatGPT started the AI craze, NVIDIA’s profit performance has increased. The company’s valuation has now reached over $1 trillion. NVIDIA holds 95% market share in the specialist GPU industry, which has grown significantly as a result of AI. These chips are extremely expensive attributing to their innovation, training, and implementation. This gives a huge advantage to big tech companies over small businesses and startups. However, the company’s supply of semiconductor chips may soon be depleted due to the rise in demand for its GPUs. Top executives have issued a warning that supply may soon fall short of demand. The supply of the H100s is facing several limitations. Some analysts predict that the corporation will run out of chips by the end of next year.
The Gulf states’ interests only confirm that NVIDIA may not be able to keep up with GPU demand. They already cost a fortune and are in short supply. Because of this, venture capitalists have begun directly purchasing them for their company portfolios. The price of NVIDIA’s stock has approximately tripled this year as investors bet that its highly coveted processors would be a critical component of the AI revolution. In 2023, the graphics chip specialist led the S&P 500 with gains of more than 200%.
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