The use of secure cloud solutions to store and manage data is part of the technology strategy of the Abu Dhabi government. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The use of secure cloud solutions to store and manage data is part of the technology strategy of the Abu Dhabi government. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The use of secure cloud solutions to store and manage data is part of the technology strategy of the Abu Dhabi government. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The use of secure cloud solutions to store and manage data is part of the technology strategy of the Abu Dhabi government. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Gitex 2024: Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority partners with Microsoft-backed Core42 cloud platform


Alvin R Cabral
  • English
  • Arabic

The Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority has joined the public cloud platform of digital transformation services provider Core42 and is open to more partnerships to tap into new technologies, a senior official has said.

The agreement will allow the authority to expand its operations and is part of its sustained investment in artificial intelligence and Big Data, Mahmoud Al Alawi, executive director for the corporate support sector at ADAA, told The National at the Gitex Global technology conference in Dubai on Tuesday.

The ADAA will be one of the first entities to join the Microsoft Azure-powered sovereign public cloud of Core42, owned by Abu Dhabi AI major G42. It will provide additional cyber security measures backed by AI solutions to protect data that comply with international standards.

The move is expected to enhance the ADAA's digital infrastructure, providing more efficient and secure solutions to store and manage data. This is in line with the Abu Dhabi government's strategy of implementing digital transformation and the adoption of advanced technologies.

The ADAA's goal is to ensure the “accuracy [of] data for decision making”, Mr Al Alawi said. “By moving to the cloud and all the capabilities we have with generative AI and Big Data operations, we will enable decision makers to have accurate and predictive information on time,” he added, while also acknowledging the authority is open to more partnerships in the future.

The UAE has championed the critical role digital transformation plays in its economy and society, positioning itself as a global centre for innovation, with Abu Dhabi leading the way.

Mahmoud Al Alawi, executive director of the corporate support sector at the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority, and Talal Al Kaissi, executive vice president and chief product and global partnerships officer at Core42, sign the agreement. Photo: Core42
Mahmoud Al Alawi, executive director of the corporate support sector at the Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority, and Talal Al Kaissi, executive vice president and chief product and global partnerships officer at Core42, sign the agreement. Photo: Core42

The capital's emergence as a regional leader in digital transformation follows initiatives focused on technology that include AI and the Internet of Things, and smart city developments centred on society, services and the economy.

“We are always striving to provide innovative and sustainable solutions that contribute to achieving the strategic goals of the Abu Dhabi government in the field of digital transformation,” said Talal Al Kaissi, executive vice president and chief product and global partnerships officer at Core42.

The agreement “not only enhances the ADAA’s digital infrastructure, but also underscores our commitment to enabling national institutions to benefit from the latest cloud computing technologies and AI-based cybersecurity”, he added.

The ADAA is responsible for promoting the principles of accountability, transparency and integrity in the Abu Dhabi government and institutions, whether local or international, in which the Abu Dhabi government has a vested interest of more than 25 per cent, according to its website.

It ensures that public resources and funds are managed, collected and disbursed efficiently, effectively and economically, safeguarding them from non-compliance or abuse for the benefit of future generations.

Core42, meanwhile, was formed last year from a merger of three G42 units – G42 Cloud, its research and development arm Inception and ICT arm Injazat. The merger combined G42's disciplines into a single platform for the public sector and large enterprises centred on the sovereign cloud, generative AI, cyber security, and professional and managed services.

SPEC%20SHEET
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Farage on Muslim Brotherhood

Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.

T20 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

Qualifier A, Muscat

(All matches to be streamed live on icc.tv) 

Fixtures

Friday, February 18: 10am Oman v Nepal, Canada v Philippines; 2pm Ireland v UAE, Germany v Bahrain 

Saturday, February 19: 10am Oman v Canada, Nepal v Philippines; 2pm UAE v Germany, Ireland v Bahrain 

Monday, February 21: 10am Ireland v Germany, UAE v Bahrain; 2pm Nepal v Canada, Oman v Philippines 

Tuesday, February 22: 2pm Semi-finals 

Thursday, February 24: 2pm Final 

UAE squad:Ahmed Raza(captain), Muhammad Waseem, Chirag Suri, Vriitya Aravind, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Raja Akifullah, Karthik Meiyappan, Junaid Siddique, Basil Hameed, Zafar Farid, Mohammed Boota, Mohammed Usman, Rahul Bhatia

Rocketman

Director: Dexter Fletcher

Starring: Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Jamie Bell

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars 

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid

When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Pros%20and%20cons%20of%20BNPL
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPros%3C%2Fstrong%3E%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EEasy%20to%20use%20and%20require%20less%20rigorous%20credit%20checks%20than%20traditional%20credit%20options%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EOffers%20the%20ability%20to%20spread%20the%20cost%20of%20purchases%20over%20time%2C%20often%20interest-free%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EConvenient%20and%20can%20be%20integrated%20directly%20into%20the%20checkout%20process%2C%20useful%20for%20online%20shopping%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EHelps%20facilitate%20cash%20flow%20planning%20when%20used%20wisely%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECons%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cul%3E%0A%3Cli%3EThe%20ease%20of%20making%20purchases%20can%20lead%20to%20overspending%20and%20accumulation%20of%20debt%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EMissing%20payments%20can%20result%20in%20hefty%20fees%20and%2C%20in%20some%20cases%2C%20high%20interest%20rates%20after%20an%20initial%20interest-free%20period%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3EFailure%20to%20make%20payments%20can%20impact%20credit%20score%20negatively%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3Cli%3ERefunds%20can%20be%20complicated%20and%20delayed%0D%3C%2Fli%3E%0A%3C%2Ful%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3ECourtesy%3A%20Carol%20Glynn%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Business Insights
  • As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses. 
  • SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income. 
  • Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
Scores

Day 2

New Zealand 153 & 56-1
Pakistan 227

New Zealand trail by 18 runs with nine wickets remaining

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites

The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.

It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.

“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.

The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The Bio

Favourite place in UAE: Al Rams pearling village

What one book should everyone read: Any book written before electricity was invented. When a writer willingly worked under candlelight, you know he/she had a real passion for their craft

Your favourite type of pearl: All of them. No pearl looks the same and each carries its own unique characteristics, like humans

Best time to swim in the sea: When there is enough light to see beneath the surface

SUCCESSION%20SEASON%204%20EPISODE%201
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CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Enterprise-grade%20security%20and%20privacy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Unlimited%20higher-speed%20GPT-4%20access%20with%20no%20caps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Longer%20context%20windows%20for%20processing%20longer%20inputs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Advanced%20data%20analysis%20capabilities%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customisation%20options%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shareable%20chat%20templates%20that%20companies%20can%20use%20to%20collaborate%20and%20build%20common%20workflows%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Analytics%20dashboard%20for%20usage%20insights%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Free%20credits%20to%20use%20OpenAI%20APIs%20to%20extend%20OpenAI%20into%20a%20fully-custom%20solution%20for%20enterprises%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

Like a Fading Shadow

Antonio Muñoz Molina

Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez

Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)

While you're here
Mica

Director: Ismael Ferroukhi

Stars: Zakaria Inan, Sabrina Ouazani

3 stars

Updated: October 16, 2024, 10:20 AM`