Smashi Business Newsletter - October 17, 2024

Hello, Smashi Business readers! 🌟

Expand North Star, with 1,800+ exhibiting startups, concluded at Dubai Harbour on Wednesday, attracting an estimated 70,000 visitors. Follow us on Instagram to get a low-down of what was happening there in our stories.

Meanwhile, GITEX Global is in full swing, entering penultimate day today, with Botim founder’s tongue-in-cheek review starting with ‘traffic’ and ending with ‘everyone signed an MOU with Oracle’.

So, another day and another round of news mostly from things happening in/at/during GITEX Global 2024.

1. 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi in Limelight with Multiple Initiatives Coming out of the UAE Capital 🌍

2. 🚄 Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 57 Minutes: Etihad Rail's High-Speed Passenger Service 🏙️

3. 🚖🔗 Bolt Teams Up with Dubai Taxi for E-Hailing Revolution in the UAE! 🇦🇪

Let's dive in! 👇

🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi in Limelight with Multiple Initiatives Coming out of the UAE Capital 🌍

📰 What is it about?

• Khazna’s New Data Center:

• Abu Dhabi-based Khazna Data Centers, owned by G42, announces a 100MW AI-optimized data center in Ajman, the largest of its kind in the UAE, boosting AI innovation.

• Core42 and AMD Collaboration:

• Abu Dhabi-based Core42, which comes under G42, partners with AMD to test AI and machine learning technologies, enhancing confidential computing for public and private cloud solutions.

• Abu Dhabi Government’s AI-Powered Initiatives:

• Abu Dhabi Government launches AI-based services like GovGPT and an AI audiobook platform to transform digital services and improve citizen experience.

💡 Why it matters?

• Khazna’s Data Center:

• Reinforces the UAE's position as a leader in AI infrastructure and supports local economic growth with a multi-billion-dirham investment.

• Core42 and AMD Partnership:

• Advances security and performance for AI-driven cloud computing, ensuring robust digital transformation solutions for businesses in the UAE.

• Abu Dhabi’s AI Initiatives:

• Demonstrates the emirate's commitment to becoming a global AI leader, enhancing public services, efficiency, and accessibility.

🔜 What’s next?

• Khazna’s Data Center:

• The AI-optimized facility is expected to be operational by Q3 2025, creating highly skilled jobs and supporting the digital economy.

• Core42 and AMD Collaboration:

• A proof-of-concept evaluation of AMD Instinct™ accelerators will begin, setting the stage for advanced AI deployments and cloud transformation projects.

• Abu Dhabi Government:

• Over 80 transformative AI initiatives will be revealed during GITEX Global 2024, continuing to shape a future-ready, AI-native government.

🚄 Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 57 Minutes: Etihad Rail's High-Speed Passenger Service 🏙️

📰 What is it about?

• Etihad Rail is introducing high-speed passenger trains, reducing travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 57 minutes—significantly quicker than the usual two-hour car journey.

• Other routes include Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais in 70 minutes and Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in 105 minutes, enhancing connectivity across the UAE.

• The rail service will connect 11 cities and regions including Sharjah, Fujairah, and Al Sila, offering a comprehensive transportation solution.

💡 Why it matters?

• The AED50 billion UAE Railways Programme will boost the economy, creating over 9,000 jobs in the railway and related sectors by 2030.

• With its high-speed and environmentally friendly design, the project promotes sustainable travel, supporting the UAE's vision for a greener future.

• Once operational, the service is expected to carry approximately 36.5 million passengers annually, enhancing mobility and convenience for residents and tourists alike.

🔜 What’s next?

• Two passenger stations have been announced: Sakamkam in Fujairah and University City in Sharjah, with more locations expected soon.

• Trains will feature 15 luxury carriages with stylish interiors, including multiple seating classes and modern amenities like TV screens showing live updates.

• Although a launch date has not yet been finalized, infrastructure is rapidly advancing, and more announcements are anticipated in the coming months.

🚖🔗 Bolt Teams Up with Dubai Taxi for E-Hailing Revolution in the UAE! 🇦🇪

📰 What is it about?

• Bolt and Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) have announced a partnership to launch the UAE’s largest e-hailing platform.

• The partnership will be fully operational by the end of this year.

• This collaboration aims to tap into the UAE's Dhs6 billion taxi and e-hailing market.

💡 Why it matters?

• This agreement combines DTC's fleet of over 6,000 vehicles with Bolt's global mobility platform, creating a new leader in Dubai's transportation sector.

• Bolt's initiative supports Dubai's aim to transition 80% of taxi trips to e-booking, enhancing the city's commitment to sustainable transport options.

• This marks Bolt’s continued expansion into the Middle East following its success in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, solidifying its presence in the region.

🔜 What’s next?

• The e-hailing services are expected to launch by the end of the year, enhancing transportation accessibility in Dubai.

• Bolt plans to offer more sustainable and efficient transportation options for Dubai residents, reducing reliance on private car ownership.

• As the partnership progresses, further enhancements and expansions in service offerings may be expected to improve the overall mobility experience in the UAE.

In other news…

1. Microsoft to inject $74 billion in UAE, creating 150,000+ jobs over next four years: report

2. Dubai-born House of Pops is now going to Kuwait!

3. Dubai’s Damac Group to invest $1 billion in Thailand data centres.

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