Tech & Telecoms - Gulf Insider

1 year ago

As Gold Nears $3,000, Here’s How Its Surge Compares to Bitcoin and the Stock Market

Gold has been on an impressive run toward the $3,000-an-ounce milestone, with a years-long buying spree by central banks and economic uncertainty tied to President Donald Trump’s policies leading the metal to outperform other asset classes so far this year. Gold-mining stocks, meanwhile, have started to play catch up this year after lagging behind the metal’s climb in 2024. Yet long term, despite record highs for gold futures, the metal has failed to keep up with the pace of lofty gains in bitcoin and the U.S. stock market. “Gold typically does well when other assets do badly — most of all, when the stock market falls and keeps falling,” said Adrian Ash, London-based director of research at physical-gold marketplace BullionVault. “But stocks right now are also knocking on record highs,” Ash noted. In his more than 25 years in the gold market, he said he’s “only seen gold and stocks move like this twice” — first in 2005 to 2007 on the eve of the global financial crisis, and in mid-2020 when “stimmy checks, zero rates and pandemic [quantitative easing] laid the groundwork for double-digit inflation.” Year to date, futures prices for gold in New York GC00-0.37% have climbed more than 11%, […]

1 year ago

iGA CE: More Than 13,000 Registrations For Revamped eKey 2.0 Within One Day Of Launch

Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, Chief Executive of the Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA), announced that the total number of registrations of the Revamped eKey 2.0 app exceeded 13,000 within one day of its official launch. Al Qaed mentioned that such engagement in downloading the app reflects the public awareness and advanced digital culture among the citizens and residents in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and their interest in benefiting from modern technologies to access the services provided to them. He also pointed out that these initial statistics support the Authority’s efforts in implementing digital transformation strategies, demonstrated by the initiatives under the Government Programme for 2023-2026. These initiatives aim to continue the digitisation of services, develop government systems and channels, and adopt modern technologies that enhance user experience while ensuring the highest levels of security. iGA invites the public to download the Revamped eKey 2.0 app, available via the eGovernment Apps Store, bahrain.bh/apps, as well as other stores such as iOS, Android, and Huawei. iGA also encourages all citizens and residents to submit their inquiries, feedback, and suggestions via the National Suggestions and Complaints System or through the Tawasul app, or directly contact the Government Services Contact Centre at 80008001. It […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia Bets On Flying Taxis And Autonomous Vehicles To Transform Mobility

Saudi Arabia is positioning itself at the forefront of mobility innovation, with industry leaders highlighting the potential of flying taxis and autonomous vehicles at the LEAP conference in Riyadh. FlyNow, a developer of electric aviation solutions, is preparing to roll out a modular system of helicopters to transport goods and passengers, according to co-founder and chief operating officer Yvonne Winter. “Economic growth is tightly linked to mobility,” Winter said during a panel discussion, adding: “And to solve traffic issues related to congestion, air quality pollution, and noise pollution, air transportation is the way to go.” She described this new industry as “the low-altitude economy,” and insisted that “together we have to find a way to unlock it.” Winter noted that one of the biggest challenges for international governments and regulatory bodies is the absence of a feasible blueprint for implementation — an issue FlyNow has tackled with a step-by-step approach that “is considered to be very safe.” As part of this approach, a regulatory sandbox has been developed to validate different vehicles, air traffic management systems, and operational reports before progressing to cargo applications. Following extensive cargo trials over low-population areas, FlyNow plans to expand testing to urban settings and passenger transport. […]

1 year ago

MENA Tech Startup Launches First AI-Powered Arabic Phone Bot

Saudi-based tech company Maqsam has unveiled the region’s first phone bot powered by artificial intelligence capable of handling customer service calls entirely in Arabic and English, including several dialects. Speaking to Arab News at LEAP 2025 Tech Conference, Fouad Jeryes, cofounder and chief business officer of Maqsam, said the innovation tackles a central challenge businesses face when trying to provide a seamless Arabic-language customer service. “Most global AI solutions do not support Arabic well,” Jeryes said. “There aren’t solutions that actually speak Arabic, so it’s a big gap here.” The smartphone bot developed by Maqsam transcribes speech, understands intent, and responds fluently in Arabic, offering 24/7 automated support. Unlike existing machine-learning solutions, which are predominantly optimized for English, the bot handles linguistic variations across the Arab world, ensuring a more natural and effective customer experience. Despite Arabic being one of the world’s most widely spoken languages, businesses have struggled to implement tech-powered customer service solutions that accurately process different dialects. The bot’s ability to recognize and adapt to different Arabic dialects makes it particularly valuable for businesses operating in several markets in the MENA region. “Good customer service is crucial for customer retention and trust, as it takes many positive […]

1 year ago

OpenAI CEO: Costs To Run Each Level Of AI Falls 10x Every Year

The cost of using any given level of artificial intelligence (AI) falls by approximately ten-fold every year and could lead to a dramatic decrease in the price of goods, according to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. “The cost to use a given level of AI falls about 10x every 12 months, and lower prices lead to much more use,” said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in a blog post about AI economics on Feb. 9. Altman referred to the cost falling by around 150 times from the firm’s GPT-4 model in early 2023 to GPT-4o in mid-2024. This is dramatically faster than Moore’s Law, he said, referring to the observation that the number of transistors in an integrated circuit doubles about every two years, leading to greater processing power, efficiency and reduced costs for electronic devices. “In some ways, AI may turn out to be like the transistor economically — a big scientific discovery that scales well and that seeps into almost every corner of the economy,” he said. Altman predicted that the price of many goods would eventually fall dramatically, adding: “Right now, the cost of intelligence and the cost of energy constrain a lot of things.” However, the price of luxury goods and a few […]

1 year ago

Investments of Over $7.5bn Announced on Second Day of LEAP 2025

The LEAP 25 conference attracted investments worth more than $7.5 billion in technology and artificial intelligence on its second day. This follows announcements of investments worth more than $14.9 billion on the first day of the conference. NEOM announced a collaboration with Datavolt to invest $5 billion to build the world’s first fully sustainable AI data center, with a capacity of 1.5 gigawatts in OXAGON. Mobily announced an investment of $911 million in strategic projects to develop digital infrastructure, including submarine cables and the development of data centers in Saudi Arabia. Alfanar Company revealed an investment of $1.4 billion to develop four data centers with a capacity of 88 gigawatts, to support the growth of the digital economy and develop business solutions. Zoom is investing $75 million to boost artificial intelligence and innovation, and to establish new data centers to support technology companies and government agencies in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabian Railways (SAR) announced an investment of $51 million in a private fiber optic network. LEAP is one of the largest technology events in the world, with more than 1,800 technology exhibitors, 1,000 speakers, and 680 startups participating. The conference offers more than 20 technology tracks covering multiple fields, including: […]

1 year ago

Apple Ordered To Provide UK Gov’t Access To All User Data On The Cloud

The Washington Post reported Friday that the United Kingdom’s deep state has demanded that Apple create a back door for them to retrieve all the content any Apple user worldwide has uploaded to the cloud—what would be an unprecedented erosion of online privacy and civil liberties. Citing anonymous sources, the Post reported that the British government’s undisclosed order was issued last month. It reportedly requires Apple to give officials blanket capability to view fully encrypted material. Typically, Apple has assisted authorities on a case-by-case basis—such as helping the FBI access a terrorist’s phone, for example. The Post noted that the access sought by the UK “has no known precedent in major democracies.” According to the Post, the UK’s order was made pursuant to the sweeping U.K. Investigatory Powers Act of 2016, which authorizes law enforcement to compel assistance from companies to access user data. “The law, known by critics as the Snoopers’ Charter, makes it a criminal offense to reveal that the government has even made such a demand,” the Post reported. “Apple can appeal the U.K. capability notice to a secret technical panel, which would consider arguments about the expense of the requirement, and to a judge who would weigh whether the request was in proportion to […]

1 year ago

Made In UAE AI Robot That Picks Ripe Strawberries Better Than Humans

An AI-powered robot developed here by experts at a university in Abu Dhabi is capable of accurately identifying ripe strawberries, picking them without causing damage, and operating tirelessly across various environments, from sunny fields to controlled greenhouses. The ‘Strawberry Picker’ bot project, led by professors from the robotics department at Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), is done in collaboration with other departments, including machine learning and computer vision. This innovative solution, poised to support the farming industry, aims to help farmers reduce labour costs while maintaining high levels of productivity and fruit quality. How it works? The robot leverages advanced artificial intelligence, computer vision, machine learning, robotics, and precision agriculture technologies. Equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, the robot analyses plants in real-time, identifying ripe strawberries based on parametres such as colour, size, and shape. Machine learning algorithms ensure precise identification, distinguishing ripe fruits from unripe or damaged ones. Once a ripe strawberry is detected, a robotic arm with a sensitive gripper gently picks the fruit without causing harm. The robot combines ‘active perception’ with its manipulation capabilities, enabling it to adjust its position or grip based on environmental factors like light, obstructions, or plant movement caused […]

1 year ago

14 Bahraini Companies Participate In LEAP 2025 Technology

The Labour Fund “Tamkeen” announced its support for the participation of 14 leading technology companies in the fourth edition of LEAP 2025 Technology Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event is one of the largest global gatherings dedicated to technology and innovation. Tamkeen’s support of the Bahrain Pavillion comes in line with Tamkeen’s ongoing commitment to fostering the growth of Bahraini enterprises. The pavilion organised by the Bahrain Technology Companies Society (BTECH), and provides Bahraini companies the unique opportunity to engage with the global technology scene. The Bahrain Pavilion will feature a distinguished selection of Bahraini tech companies, including: Twazn, Makkan , Unipal, Numuw Telemedicine, Loyal , Parcel Delivery, Procode, Sellou , DesignEase, Infinite Clouds, Qeta’at Platform, Travilege Solutions, Silent Power for Renewable Energy and the Shaikh Nasser Center for Innovation and Consultancy. Participating companies will gain valuable opportunities to advance their businesses, secure investment and network with industry leaders, experts and investors. This will enhance their competitiveness, allow them to explore the latest innovations and foster strategic partnerships that will support their expansion into regional and global markets. This support aligns with Tamkeen’s strategic priorities for 2025, which focuses on enhancing the position and competitiveness of Bahrainis in the […]

1 year ago

WhatsApp Calls Reportedly Activated In Saudi Arabia: Permanent Change Or Temporary Test?

Many WhatsApp users in Saudi Arabia reported on Saturday that voice and video calling features had been activated after years of restrictions. However, there has been no official confirmation on whether this is a permanent change or a temporary test. The sudden activation has raised questions, particularly in the absence of an announcement from authorities. Technology expert Abdullah Al Subaie noted that this move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance telecommunications and digital infrastructure, potentially improving communication for users. WhatsApp, one of the world’s most widely used messaging apps, introduced voice calls in 2015 and video calls in 2016. However, these features have been blocked in Saudi Arabia due to regulatory policies. While there have been occasional reports of brief activations, they were typically linked to technical updates rather than policy shifts. In March 2024, speculation arose that the ban had been lifted, but Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission denied the claims, reaffirming that WhatsApp calls remained inaccessible. If the current activation proves permanent, it would mark a significant improvement in connectivity within the kingdom.

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As Gold Nears $3,000, Here’s How Its Surge Compares to Bitcoin and the Stock Market

iGA CE: More Than 13,000 Registrations For Revamped eKey 2.0 Within One Day Of Launch

Saudi Arabia Bets On Flying Taxis And Autonomous Vehicles To Transform Mobility

MENA Tech Startup Launches First AI-Powered Arabic Phone Bot

OpenAI CEO: Costs To Run Each Level Of AI Falls 10x Every Year

Investments of Over $7.5bn Announced on Second Day of LEAP 2025

Apple Ordered To Provide UK Gov’t Access To All User Data On The Cloud

Made In UAE AI Robot That Picks Ripe Strawberries Better Than Humans

14 Bahraini Companies Participate In LEAP 2025 Technology

WhatsApp Calls Reportedly Activated In Saudi Arabia: Permanent Change Or Temporary Test?

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