Dubai is expanding co-operation with the world's top media and technology companies, to bolster its offerings as an international innovation hub.
This was the message from Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Thursday, after he met Shou Zi Chew, chief executive of TikTok, one of the world's most popular social media platforms.
"During the meeting, we explored ways to foster strong partnerships to advance the new media sector," wrote Sheikh Hamdan on X.
"Dubai continues to build strong ties with the world's leading media organisations and social media platforms to strengthen the city's status as an innovation-driven global media hub," he added, emphasising that Dubai would remain resolute in the Emirate's commitment "to raising media excellence and positive change."
TikTok has its Middle East headquarters in Dubai.
The video-based social media platform has enjoyed meteoric success in recent years and by most estimates enjoys more than two billion active monthly users.
As the social platform has grown, so too have Mr Chew's travels to various countries hoping to bolster TikTok's presence and policies in various capacities.
Back in March, Mr Chew appeared in Saudi Arabia during Leap, one of the country's flagship technology exhibitions.
During that visit, TikTok announced announced a strategic partnership with non-profit organisations Injaz Al Arab and Injaz Saudi to use its platform to raise awareness of employability skills among young people in Saudi Arabia.
His recent meeting with Sheikh Hamdan is also noteworthy because of the Dubai Crown Prince's prolific presence on various social media platforms such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), where he has cumulatively more than 20 million followers.
Sheikh Hamdan routinely posts photos and videos of his whereabouts, workouts and government meetings on those platforms, and in turn, those posts receive significant social media engagement and comments from those who follow him.
The Dubai Crown Prince has also made artificial intelligence a major priority in recent years through various initiatives, endeavors and partnerships.
Also in attendance at the meeting was Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.
In 2017, Mr Al Olama was appointed as the UAE's first AI minister.
The 10 Questions
- Is there a God?
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- What is inside a black hole?
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- Is time travel possible?
- Will we survive on Earth?
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- Should we colonise space?
- Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?
- How do we shape the future?
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List
James Mustich, Workman
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
Gulf Under 19s final
Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B
Score
Third Test, Day 2
New Zealand 274
Pakistan 139-3 (61 ov)
Pakistan trail by 135 runs with 7 wickets remaining in the innings
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Tickets
Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Meydan card
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (PA) Group 1 US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,200m
8.50pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (TB) Group 2 $350,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Zayed Sustainability Prize
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
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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
the pledge
I pledge to uphold the duty of tolerance
I pledge to take a first stand against hate and injustice
I pledge to respect and accept people whose abilities, beliefs and culture are different from my own
I pledge to wish for others what I wish for myself
I pledge to live in harmony with my community
I pledge to always be open to dialogue and forgiveness
I pledge to do my part to create peace for all
I pledge to exercise benevolence and choose kindness in all my dealings with my community
I pledge to always stand up for these values: Zayed's values for tolerance and human fraternity
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League quarter-final (first-leg score):
Juventus (1) v Ajax (1), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
Match will be shown on BeIN Sports
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
The biog
Born November 11, 1948
Education: BA, English Language and Literature, Cairo University
Family: Four brothers, seven sisters, two daughters, 42 and 39, two sons, 43 and 35, and 15 grandchildren
Hobbies: Reading and traveling
Scoreline:
Cardiff City 0
Liverpool 2
Wijnaldum 57', Milner 81' (pen)
Tank warfare
Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks.
“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.
“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”
