The UAE is finding its footing as it positions itself to become a global artificial intelligence leader while maintaining its growing ties with China, after last week choosing to advance technology partnerships with the US over its eastern partner.
On Monday, Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang said it is “imperative” for the UAE to scale up its investment in AI if it wants to become a leader in the next industrial revolution.
“The UAE is in a very unique position. It's able to work with everyone,” Mr Huang said during a discussion with Omar Al Olama, UAE Minister for Artificial Intelligence, the Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, on the first day of the World Governments Summit in Dubai.
Last week Abu Dhabi AI company G42 sold its stakes in Chinese companies, including TikTok owner ByteDance, in a move seen to appease its US partners, the Financial Times reported.
G42 says it “cannot work with both sides” and retain access to AI chips made in the US, according to the FT.
In January, G42 denied any links with the Chinese government and military, dismissing the allegations as “unfounded and irresponsible”. While it acknowledged partnerships with “some” Chinese entities, “such engagements are standard practice among global technology companies”, it said.
“If the UAE's [latest] actions are perceived as aligning more closely with western tech interests, this could lead to diplomatic balancing acts,” especially between the world's two biggest economies and superpowers, says Howard Yu, a professor of innovation and research director at the International Institute for Management Development's Centre for Future Readiness.
However, the Emirates has “historically been skilled at maintaining balanced relations with various global powers”, Mr Yu told The National.
“Historically, the UAE and China have enjoyed strong economic and trade relations, with significant bilateral trade and Chinese investment in the UAE.”
Any sensitivity is more likely to arise from Washington than Beijing, Mr Yu said, given that the US has increasingly viewed the advancement of AI technologies within the context of its strategic competition with China.
China has been investing heavily in AI domestically and internationally, seeking to develop and acquire the technologies to enhance its economic and industrial capabilities.
Therefore, Beijing might view the UAE's AI initiatives as part of a larger, global AI ecosystem from which it can benefit through co-operation rather than competition, Mr Yu said.
Mr Huang said the UAE would benefit from pouring more investment into graphics processing units (GPUs), dubbed by California-based Nvidia as the “rare Earth metals, even the gold” of AI, because they are foundational for today’s generative AI era.
GPUs perform technical calculations faster and with greater energy efficiency than traditional central processing units, resulting in leading performance for AI training and other applications that require accelerated computing.
GPUs were initially created to handle 3D graphics, most notably in games, but have evolved to become one of the most important types of computing technology, “both for personal and business computing”, according to US chip major Intel.
Any attempt by the UAE to position itself as a global GPU manufacturing hub, or at the very least be a source for its technology, could “significantly elevate its position in the global tech arena”, Mr Yu said.
“The benefits of such a development would include diversification of the economy away from oil dependence and job creation in high-tech sectors,” he said.
“But there are challenges. The semiconductor industry requires significant capital investment, with estimates for expanding global chip-building capacity running into trillions.”
Enter OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed creator of the highly popular ChatGPT that triggered a wild race in generative AI.
Last week, its chief executive, Sam Altman, was said to be in talks with investors, including the UAE government, to raise funds aimed at boosting the world’s chip-building capacity to power AI, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the situation.
The amount being aimed for? As much as $7 trillion.
“If the UAE can work aggressively with new players who are looking for alternatives … then the world can very well use and embrace a new cluster that can also play a more natural role in an increasingly politically fraught technological landscape,” Mr Yu said.
“These are interesting times for Gulf states. As the world pivots from Global North to Global South, they find themselves becoming empowered and feeling emboldened,” Simon Chadwick, a professor of sport and geopolitical economy at the Skema Business School in Paris, told The National.
The terms Global North and Global South are a method in which countries are grouped based on their socioeconomics and politics, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.
Global North primarily comprises Northern America, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Israel, while Global South groups Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and Oceania, with the last two excluding those already in Global North.
“This puts [GCC nations] in an interesting position amid the political schism between the US and China. This means the likes of the UAE can hedge between the two superpowers, with a view to enhancing its own power and position,” Mr Chadwick said.
“Yet this is not simply about a binary choice for the UAE – it is also about positioning the country as an ascendant global power in its own right,” he said, noting the tech ambitions and investment capabilities of fellow GCC majors Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The Details
Article 15
Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
Pathaan
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Siddharth%20Anand%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Shah%20Rukh%20Khan%2C%20Deepika%20Padukone%2C%20John%20Abraham%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
What is graphene?
Graphene is extracted from graphite and is made up of pure carbon.
It is 200 times more resistant than steel and five times lighter than aluminum.
It conducts electricity better than any other material at room temperature.
It is thought that graphene could boost the useful life of batteries by 10 per cent.
Graphene can also detect cancer cells in the early stages of the disease.
The material was first discovered when Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov were 'playing' with graphite at the University of Manchester in 2004.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
'Falling%20for%20Christmas'
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Janeen%20Damian%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3EStars%3A%20Lindsay%20Lohan%2C%20Chord%20Overstreet%2C%20Jack%20Wagner%2C%20Aliana%20Lohan%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%201%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Explainer: Tanween Design Programme
Non-profit arts studio Tashkeel launched this annual initiative with the intention of supporting budding designers in the UAE. This year, three talents were chosen from hundreds of applicants to be a part of the sixth creative development programme. These are architect Abdulla Al Mulla, interior designer Lana El Samman and graphic designer Yara Habib.
The trio have been guided by experts from the industry over the course of nine months, as they developed their own products that merge their unique styles with traditional elements of Emirati design. This includes laboratory sessions, experimental and collaborative practice, investigation of new business models and evaluation.
It is led by British contemporary design project specialist Helen Voce and mentor Kevin Badni, and offers participants access to experts from across the world, including the likes of UK designer Gareth Neal and multidisciplinary designer and entrepreneur, Sheikh Salem Al Qassimi.
The final pieces are being revealed in a worldwide limited-edition release on the first day of Downtown Designs at Dubai Design Week 2019. Tashkeel will be at stand E31 at the exhibition.
Lisa Ball-Lechgar, deputy director of Tashkeel, said: “The diversity and calibre of the applicants this year … is reflective of the dynamic change that the UAE art and design industry is witnessing, with young creators resolute in making their bold design ideas a reality.”
UAE%20SQUAD
%3Cp%3E%0D%3Cstrong%3EMen%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Saif%20Al%20Zaabi%2C%20Salem%20Al%20Marzooqi%2C%20Zayed%20Al%20Ansaari%2C%20Saud%20Abdulaziz%20Rahmatalla%2C%20Adel%20Shanbih%2C%20Ahmed%20Khamis%20Al%20Blooshi%2C%20Abdalla%20Al%20Naqbi%2C%20Khaled%20Al%20Hammadi%2C%20Mohammed%20Khamis%20Khalaf%2C%20Mohammad%20Fahad%2C%20Abdulla%20Al%20Arimi.%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EWomen%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Mozah%20Al%20Zeyoudi%2C%20Haifa%20Al%20Naqbi%2C%20Ayesha%20Al%20Mutaiwei.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
Director:Michael Lehmann
Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
A cryptocurrency primer for beginners
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
There are several primers for investing in cryptocurrencies available online, including e-books written by people whose credentials fall apart on the second page of your preferred search engine.
Ms Danial is a finance coach and former currency analyst who writes for Nasdaq. Her broad-strokes primer (2019) breaks down investing in cryptocurrency into baby steps, while explaining the terms and technologies involved.
Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104
Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
'Cheb%20Khaled'
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EArtist%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKhaled%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ELabel%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EBelieve%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
UAE Team Emirates
Valerio Conti (ITA)
Alessandro Covi (ITA)
Joe Dombrowski (USA)
Davide Formolo (ITA)
Fernando Gaviria (COL)
Sebastian Molano (COL)
Maximiliano Richeze (ARG)
Diego Ulissi (ITAS)
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
