Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company, one of the Middle East's most valuable listed firms, has unveiled a homegrown online marketplace for artificial intelligence that provides access to key AI hardware and software.
The Saif platform – introduced at the Make it in the Emirates summit in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday – is being billed as the “first-ever Emirati AI marketplace agent” and allows local and overseas developers to directly buy graphics processing units, AI modules and AI stack designs to create large language models, IHC said in a statement.
GPUs are specialised chips designed to handle more complex computing tasks. AI modules are components used to incorporate AI into systems, while AI stacks are the collection of tools needed to develop AI. LLMs are the underlying algorithms for AI.
Saif, designed and developed in Abu Dhabi, is able to speak more than 5,000 languages through text, voice and video, and can be accessed on computers and mobile devices, IHC said.
It did not provide a timeline for Saif's formal rollout, and further details about its features, scope and international partnerships are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, it said.
Saif is being positioned to “redefine the relationship between humans and intelligent systems … building new capabilities that are born in the UAE and built for the world”, Syed Shueb, chief executive of IHC, said.
Abu Dhabi is at the forefront of the UAE's push to expand its AI footprint, developing systems, forging businesses and attracting investment to elevate the UAE's global status.
Amid the rise of generative AI, Abu Dhabi's Technology Innovation Institute and AI major G42 introduced their Falcon and Jais large language models, respectively, designed to compete with LLMs from industry giants such as Meta Platforms, Google, Microsoft and ChatGPT maker OpenAI.
G42 – which made a flurry of AI deals this week – has forged partnerships with OpenAI and chip leader Nvidia, and received a $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft to support the UAE's tech strategy.
MGX, an Abu Dhabi investment firm focused on AI, also this week signed an agreement with Nvidia to build the largest AI campus in Europe, along with French companies.
IHC, founded in 1999 as part of a move to diversify and develop UAE non-oil business sectors, has expanded its portfolio in key technology sectors.
Last month, it partnered with sovereign wealth fund ADQ and First Abu Dhabi Bank to launch a dirham-backed stablecoin, which will be regulated by the UAE Central Bank.
“The UAE continues to lead from the front in digital innovation and [Saif] is a testament to what is possible when national ambition meets cutting-edge execution,” Mr Shueb said.
IHC has a market capitalisation of more than Dh882 billion ($240.1 billion) at the close of trading on Wednesday. It comprises more than 1,000 subsidiaries and plans to expand and diversify its holdings across asset management, health care, property and construction, marine and dredging, IT and communications, financial services, food production, utilities and services.
IHC reported that profit after tax hit Dh4.1 billion ($1.1 billion) in the first quarter of 2025, while revenue jumped more than 41 per cent to Dh27.2 billion compared to the same period last year.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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ICC Awards for 2021
MEN
Cricketer of the Year – Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Babar Azam (Pakistan)
Test Cricketer of the Year – Joe Root (England)
WOMEN
Cricketer of the Year – Smriti Mandhana (India)
ODI Cricketer of the Year – Lizelle Lee (South Africa)
T20 Cricketer of the Year – Tammy Beaumont (England)
Pupils in Abu Dhabi are learning the importance of being active, eating well and leading a healthy lifestyle now and throughout adulthood, thanks to a newly launched programme 'Healthy Lifestyle'.
As part of the Healthy Lifestyle programme, specially trained coaches from City Football Schools, along with Healthpoint physicians have visited schools throughout Abu Dhabi to give fun and interactive lessons on working out regularly, making the right food choices, getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, just like their favourite footballers.
Organised by Manchester City FC and Healthpoint, Manchester City FC’s regional healthcare partner and part of Mubadala’s healthcare network, the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ programme will visit 15 schools, meeting around 1,000 youngsters over the next five months.
Designed to give pupils all the information they need to improve their diet and fitness habits at home, at school and as they grow up, coaches from City Football Schools will work alongside teachers to lead the youngsters through a series of fun, creative and educational classes as well as activities, including playing football and other games.
Dr Mai Ahmed Al Jaber, head of public health at Healthpoint, said: “The programme has different aspects - diet, exercise, sleep and mental well-being. By having a focus on each of those and delivering information in a way that children can absorb easily it can help to address childhood obesity."
Who has been sanctioned?
Daniella Weiss and Nachala
Described as 'the grandmother of the settler movement', she has encouraged the expansion of settlements for decades. The 79 year old leads radical settler movement Nachala, whose aim is for Israel to annex Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where it helps settlers built outposts.
Harel Libi & Libi Construction and Infrastructure
Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinians. His firm has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts.
Zohar Sabah
Runs a settler outpost named Zohar’s Farm and has previously faced charges of violence against Palestinians. He was indicted by Israel’s State Attorney’s Office in September for allegedly participating in a violent attack against Palestinians and activists in the West Bank village of Muarrajat.
Coco’s Farm and Neria’s Farm
These are illegal outposts in the West Bank, which are at the vanguard of the settler movement. According to the UK, they are associated with people who have been involved in enabling, inciting, promoting or providing support for activities that amount to “serious abuse”.
PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday (UAE kick-off times)
Watford v Leicester City (3.30pm)
Brighton v Arsenal (6pm)
West Ham v Wolves (8.30pm)
Bournemouth v Crystal Palace (10.45pm)
Sunday
Newcastle United v Sheffield United (5pm)
Aston Villa v Chelsea (7.15pm)
Everton v Liverpool (10pm)
Monday
Manchester City v Burnley (11pm)
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