Airev’s generative artificial intelligence platform is taking automation to a level that allows businesses and individuals to automate up to 95 per cent of tasks and leave only 5 per cent that require human intervention.
Muhammad Khalid, founder and chief executive of the Abu Dhabi-based venture, says the platform, backed by Core42, a unit of Abu Dhabi's artificial intelligence and cloud company G42, can reduce the time required to develop complex applications from months to days.
Only one year into operation, the platform is aiming to develop advanced AI products that automate and simplify day-to-day tasks and make AI accessible to individuals as well as to businesses of all sizes.
“This high level of automation is made possible through our flexible workflows and advanced automation capabilities,” says Mr Khalid, a 33-year-old Briton who moved to the UAE in 2018.
Airev's core focus is AI and robotics innovation. It was founded in September 2023 by Mr Khalid, Kayaan Unwalla and Dr Youssef Youssef, the team that created generative AI platform School Hack, which was launched in February last year.
School Hack, which started as an AI application for students to transform their learning, has evolved to become one of Airev's two flagship products. It boasts more than 3.3 million users and provides educational solutions using cutting-edge AI, Mr Khalid says.
As a certified partner with tech giants such as Microsoft, Nvidia and AWS, Airev is leveraging its success in education to take its AI solutions into sectors including health care, laws and regulations, and finance, he says.
Airev’s other offering, OnDemand, is an AI operating system designed to democratise the development of artificial intelligence. The decentralised platform offers developers, engineers, enterprises and start-ups a base to build, deploy and manage their AI applications.
Airev joined forces with Core42 to launch OnDemand in July. While the partnership focuses on the Middle East, the decentralised nature of OnDemand allows AI applications to be deployed and managed from anywhere in the world. The platform also aligns with the UAE’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031, lowering barriers and allowing developers and businesses to create AI-driven solutions across industries.
“Unlike traditional solutions that may boost efficiency by 20 per cent but still require significant human oversight, our platform allows AI to take over up to 95 per cent of tasks, leaving just 5 per cent for human intervention,” says Mr Khalid.
Generative AI has evolved to become the front and centre of the global technology landscape, with OpenAI’s ChatGPT propelling it into the limelight in 2023. The ChatGPT programme that comes up with humanlike responses to prompts in seconds, based on information publicly available on the internet, has accelerated the pace of generative AI technologies across sectors.
The size of the generative AI market is expected to surge to $1.3 trillion by 2032, from $40 billion in 2022, at a compound annual growth rate of 42 per cent, a report by Bloomberg Intelligence last year found.
Growth is being driven by training infrastructure in the near-term and gradually shifting to inference devices for large language models (LLMs), digital advertisements, specialised software and services in the medium to long term, it found.
The UAE is leading the GCC’s push towards the use of generative AI, and its adoption of the emerging technology is standing out on the global stage, PwC Middle East said last year.
Generative AI is expected to hold immense economic potential. GCC countries, for instance, are expected to reap about $23.5 billion in economic benefits by 2030 as investments in generative AI continue to grow, PwC unit Strategy and Middle East said in a report last September.
The UAE, the Arab world’s second-biggest economy, has already unveiled major LLMs – the underlying algorithm that powers generative AI – to support its aim of becoming a leader in the industry. In May, a bilingual Arabic and English chatbot developed in the Emirates, Jais Chat, was unveiled by Core42. This month, G42 also announced a Hindi LLM.
For businesses, generative AI could generate value equivalent to between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion in global corporate profits annually in 63 use cases where the technology could raise productivity, a study from the McKinsey Global Institute said last year.
Airev, which makes money from subscription fees ranging from $200 per month for small and medium enterprises to $40,000 per month and beyond for scaling start-ups, is targeting $15 million in revenue in 2025, Mr Khalid says.
“Our revenue model is a combination of pay-as-you-go and subscription services. This approach offers our clients flexibility and predictable consumption, allowing them to scale their usage based on their specific needs and objectives,” he adds.
ChatGPT and similar AI models play a significant role in powering many of Airev’s solutions, however, the company has strict controls to minimise the associated risks and challenges.
“We implement strict data governance policies to address risks and challenges such as data security and model biases and continuously refine our models to meet the highest ethical and industry standards,” Mr Khalid says.
“While we greatly value the capabilities of OpenAI’s technology and continue to utilise it, we also integrate a mix of both closed and open-source AI models. This diversified approach ensures robustness and reduces reliance on any single provider.”
However, all technologies come with their own set of the challenges and one of Airev’s primary tasks is keeping pace with the rapidly evolving AI landscape, Mr Khalid says.
“To address this, we invest heavily in research and development and maintain a culture of continuous learning within our team. We also actively engage with the developer community and industry partners to stay at the forefront of technological advancements,” he says.
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
Currently in the middle of a series A funding round, Airev has secured substantial support to fuel its growth – particularly through strategic partnerships, Mr Khalid says, without disclosing the funding it has raised thus far.
“Looking ahead, we’re exploring various opportunities to further expand our capabilities and reach, including potential avenues for future funding,” he says.
Q&A with Muhammad Khalid, founder and chief executive, Airev
What skills have you learnt since launching your start-up?
Launching Airev has been an incredible learning experience. I've honed skills in leadership, strategic planning and adaptability. Navigating the complexities of the AI industry has also deepened my technical expertise and reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation.
If you could do it all differently, what would you change?
Every step of our journey has offered valuable lessons that have shaped who we are today. While hindsight might suggest different paths, we believe each experience has been instrumental in our growth and success. We're grateful for the challenges and triumphs alike.
What other successful start-up do you wish you had started?
While there are many inspiring start-ups out there, I’m truly passionate about what we are building at Airev. What drives me every day is our mission and the impact we are making.
What is your next big dream to make happen?
We are excited about venturing into robotics. Integrating our AI solutions with robotics technology holds immense potential for further automating tasks and enhancing efficiencies across various industries. It’s an area we are actively exploring as we look to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Where do you see Airev in five years?
In five years, we envision Airev as a global leader in AI and robotics innovation. We aim to have our platforms and solutions deeply integrated across industries, driving transformative changes and enabling businesses to harness the full potential of advanced technologies.
Who is your role model?
I’m inspired by visionary leaders who have made significant contributions to technology and society. Their dedication to innovation and positive change motivates me to strive for excellence in all our endeavours at Airev.
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
India cancels school-leaving examinations
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
McLaren GT specs
Engine: 4-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed
Power: 620bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh875,000
On sale: now
Sunday's Super Four matches
Dubai, 3.30pm
India v Pakistan
Abu Dhabi, 3.30pm
Bangladesh v Afghanistan
CONFIRMED%20LINE-UP
%3Cp%3EElena%20Rybakina%20(Kazakhstan)%0D%3Cbr%3EOns%20Jabeur%20(Tunisia)%0D%3Cbr%3EMaria%20Sakkari%20(Greece)%0D%3Cbr%3EBarbora%20Krej%C4%8D%C3%ADkov%C3%A1%20(Czech%20Republic)%0D%3Cbr%3EBeatriz%20Haddad%20Maia%20(Brazil)%0D%3Cbr%3EJe%C4%BCena%20Ostapenko%20(Latvia)%0D%3Cbr%3ELiudmila%20Samsonova%0D%3Cbr%3EDaria%20Kasatkina%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EVeronika%20Kudermetova%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3ECaroline%20Garcia%20(France)%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EMagda%20Linette%20(Poland)%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3ESorana%20C%C3%AErstea%20(Romania)%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EAnastasia%20Potapova%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EAnhelina%20Kalinina%20(Ukraine)%E2%80%AF%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EJasmine%20Paolini%20(Italy)%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Navarro%20(USA)%E2%80%AF%0D%3Cbr%3ELesia%20Tsurenko%20(Ukraine)%0D%3Cbr%3ENaomi%20Osaka%20(Japan)%20-%20wildcard%0D%3Cbr%3EEmma%20Raducanu%20(Great%20Britain)%20-%20wildcard%3Cbr%3EAlexandra%20Eala%20(Philippines)%20-%20wildcard%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl
Power: 153hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Price: Dh99,000
On sale: now
Company%20profile
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THE APPRENTICE
Director: Ali Abbasi
Starring: Sebastian Stan, Maria Bakalova, Jeremy Strong
Rating: 3/5
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
if you go
The flights
Emirates flies to Delhi with fares starting from around Dh760 return, while Etihad fares cost about Dh783 return. From Delhi, there are connecting flights to Lucknow.
Where to stay
It is advisable to stay in Lucknow and make a day trip to Kannauj. A stay at the Lebua Lucknow hotel, a traditional Lucknowi mansion, is recommended. Prices start from Dh300 per night (excluding taxes).
Honeymoonish
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The%20specs
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Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Meydan race card
6pm Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
6.35Dubai Trophy – Conditions(TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,200m
1,800m
7.10pm Jumeirah Derby Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (T)
1,800m ,400m
7.45pm Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
8.20pm Al Fahidi Fort – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,400m
8.55pm Dubawi Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,200m
9.30pm Aliyah – Rated Conditions (TB) $80,000 (D) 2,000m
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
Citizenship-by-investment programmes
United Kingdom
The UK offers three programmes for residency. The UK Overseas Business Representative Visa lets you open an overseas branch office of your existing company in the country at no extra investment. For the UK Tier 1 Innovator Visa, you are required to invest £50,000 (Dh238,000) into a business. You can also get a UK Tier 1 Investor Visa if you invest £2 million, £5m or £10m (the higher the investment, the sooner you obtain your permanent residency).
All UK residency visas get approved in 90 to 120 days and are valid for 3 years. After 3 years, the applicant can apply for extension of another 2 years. Once they have lived in the UK for a minimum of 6 months every year, they are eligible to apply for permanent residency (called Indefinite Leave to Remain). After one year of ILR, the applicant can apply for UK passport.
The Caribbean
Depending on the country, the investment amount starts from $100,000 (Dh367,250) and can go up to $400,000 in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take between four to five months to receive a passport.
Portugal
The investment amount ranges from €350,000 to €500,000 (Dh1.5m to Dh2.16m) in real estate. From the date of purchase, it will take a maximum of six months to receive a Golden Visa. Applicants can apply for permanent residency after five years and Portuguese citizenship after six years.
“Among European countries with residency programmes, Portugal has been the most popular because it offers the most cost-effective programme to eventually acquire citizenship of the European Union without ever residing in Portugal,” states Veronica Cotdemiey of Citizenship Invest.
Greece
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Greece is €250,000, making it the cheapest real estate residency visa scheme in Europe. You can apply for residency in four months and citizenship after seven years.
Spain
The real estate investment threshold to acquire residency for Spain is €500,000. You can apply for permanent residency after five years and citizenship after 10 years. It is not necessary to live in Spain to retain and renew the residency visa permit.
Cyprus
Cyprus offers the quickest route to citizenship of a European country in only six months. An investment of €2m in real estate is required, making it the highest priced programme in Europe.
Malta
The Malta citizenship by investment programme is lengthy and investors are required to contribute sums as donations to the Maltese government. The applicant must either contribute at least €650,000 to the National Development & Social Fund. Spouses and children are required to contribute €25,000; unmarried children between 18 and 25 and dependent parents must contribute €50,000 each.
The second step is to make an investment in property of at least €350,000 or enter a property rental contract for at least €16,000 per annum for five years. The third step is to invest at least €150,000 in bonds or shares approved by the Maltese government to be kept for at least five years.
Candidates must commit to a minimum physical presence in Malta before citizenship is granted. While you get residency in two months, you can apply for citizenship after a year.
Egypt
A one-year residency permit can be bought if you purchase property in Egypt worth $100,000. A three-year residency is available for those who invest $200,000 in property, and five years for those who purchase property worth $400,000.
Source: Citizenship Invest and Aqua Properties
Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
