Tech & Telecoms - Gulf Insider

1 year ago

World’s First Humanoid Robot Half Marathon Postponed Due To Windy Weather

Beijing has postponed a half marathon originally scheduled for Sunday in which humanoid robots will race alongside human runners. The 2025 Beijing Yizhuang Half Marathon was postponed to April 19 due to forecasts of very strong winds for this weekend, according to a statement published on Thursday by the event’s organisers, Reuters reported. The race will be held in an area of Beijing that hosts more than 100 robotics companies and a 10 billion-yuan ($1.36 billion) government fund for their development, according to the deputy director of the area’s management committee, Li Quan.

1 year ago

Meta To Introduce Teen Accounts For Facebook

Meta yesterday announced that it was extending its teen accounts to its social network Facebook, after recently introducing restrictions on Instagram. The accounts were brought in for 13- to 15-year-old users of the company’s popular photo- sharing app last September as part of moves to shield vulnerable underage internet users from online harms. Teens are immediate – ly placed in such accounts, with those under 16 unable to change settings without parental permission. In a statement, Meta said it was expanding the restrictions in the coming months to stop teens from going live or turning off protections for unwanted images in direct messages on their own. “Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger will offer similar, automatic protections to limit inappropriate content and unwanted contact, as well as ways to ensure teens’ time is well spent,” it added. The accounts will initially be available in the United States, Britain, Australia and Canada, then other countries at a later date. At least 54 million teenagers currently have a teen account, which also limit overnight notifications and have reminders to leave the app after an hour. Users can only be messaged by people they follow or are already connected to. Adolescent use of […]

1 year ago

Watch: Falak Mission Takes Saudi Arabia Into Polar Orbit

Saudi Arabia has successfully launched its first research mission into polar orbit today, in collaboration with SpaceX, to study the effects of space on natural eye microbes. The mission, named “Falak,” is part of the FRAM2 mission and will investigate how microgravity influences the microbiome of the eye, with potential applications for both space exploration and Earth-based health. The mission aims to improve understanding of eye health in astronauts by analyzing the growth patterns of eye microbes and examining genetic and protein changes that occur under the influence of microgravity. One of the key areas of focus is how these microbes form biofilms, which can increase the risk of eye infections in space. Dr. Ayoub Al Sobihi, director of the Falak mission, emphasized that the research will help create a comprehensive health protocol for eye care in space, potentially setting a global standard for space agencies. “The resilience of eye microbes to the space environment is a question we still don’t have answers to. This mission lays the groundwork for future research on this crucial issue,” he said. This study is part of global efforts to understand how space travel impacts human health, particularly in the field of ocular health.

1 year ago

Bahrain Space Agency Announces Progress In Initial Operations Of “Al-Munther” Satellite

The Bahrain Space Agency has provided an update on the initial operational phase of the national satellite “Al-Munther,” successfully launched on March 15, 2025, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in the United States aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as part of an international mission carrying multiple satellites. The technical team confirmed that the first signals from the satellite were received upon reaching its designated orbit. Several signals were successfully captured through the ground station, with incoming data indicating that the satellite remains stable in orbit and that its core systems are operating within designated technical parameters. This is considered a positive indication of the satellite’s health and stability. Commenting on the development, Dr. Mohammed Al-Asiri, CEO of the Bahrain Space Agency, stated: “Al-Munther represents a strategic achievement for the Kingdom of Bahrain, showcasing significant progress in developing national capabilities in the space sector. The success of the initial operational phases thus far reflects the collective efforts of a skilled and ambitious team, paving the way for a new era of space innovation and development.” Project Manager Eng. Aisha Al-Harm further explained: “System activation began as soon as the satellite reached orbit, with the power system being the first to […]

1 year ago

Starlink Launches High-Speed Internet In Oman

Oman has approved Starlink Muscat as an internet provider in the country. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) gave approval to Starlink Muscat to begin providing broadband internet services in the Sultanate using satellite communications systems. Starlink is a low-orbit satellite technology that provides broadband internet services. Starlink internet in Oman It seeks to provide high-speed internet access in areas that lack access to such services. Starlink Muscat will cover all geographical areas of the Sultanate of Oman, including comprehensive service areas, with speeds that can reach 100megabytes per second. Starlink Muscat will also provide smart solutions to connect telecommunications towers in areas with difficult terrain. This will help promote digital transition and serve a number of economic sectors such as oil and gas, mining, tourism and agriculture.

1 year ago

Ajman’s Public Transport Goes Digital With New Contactless Payment System

The Ajman Transport Authority (ATA), in collaboration with BPC, a global leader in payment solutions, announced the launch of an open, contactless payment system for public buses. The new payment system, powered by BPC’s O-CITY platform, is the first phase of the next-generation fare collection solution for the transportation and smart city sectors in the emirate. Through this step, the Authority aims to provide passengers with a seamless, multi-modal travel experience and promote digital transformation in the public transport sector. The system allows passengers to make payments easily and securely using bank cards, smart payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and even wearable payment devices such as smart watches, facilitating transportation and improving the user experience. Smart payment devices have now been installed on all public transport buses. The service has been activated on internal routes, with plans to expand it to include external routes in the coming period, Ajman Transport Authority said. The Masaar Travel smart app has also been developed, enabling passengers to plan their trips, track bus locations in real time, link their bank cards, and view their trip history. The project includes an advanced system for calculating fares based on zones and stops. Abeer Goumaa, Director of Service […]

1 year ago

Robot Taxi Trials To Begin In Abu Dhabi Ahead Of 2026 Launch

Robot taxi trials are set to begin in Abu Dhabi ahead of a launched service next year. Autogo, a UAE-based autonomous mobility solutions company under Kintsugi Holding, has announced the launch of its RoboTaxi service trials in Abu Dhabi, in preparation for full-scale operations by 2026. This step comes within the framework of a strategic partnership with Apollo Go, the autonomous mobility subsidiary of Baidu, one of the world’s leading companies in large-scale self-driving transportation, and aims to bring next-generation mobility technologies to the streets of Abu Dhabi. Robot taxis in Abu Dhabi The operational trials are being conducted in coordination with Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) to ensure the service aligns with local transport strategies, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure requirements, as part of the emirate’s efforts to enhance smart mobility. RoboTaxi vehicles offer a smart and seamless transportation experience, designed to meet the needs of modern cities and their residents. With their advanced electric design and AI-driven systems, the vehicles ensure precise and consistent driving with real-time responsiveness to surrounding conditions. Autogo’s vision extends beyond simplifying mobility. The RoboTaxi aims to enhance road safety by reducing human driving errors, while its fully electric operation makes it a more […]

1 year ago

Saudi Arabia to Launch First Space Research Mission on Eye Microbiome

A Saudi nonprofit, Falak for Space Science and Research, is preparing to launch the Kingdom’s first space-based experiment focused on the human eye, in collaboration with SpaceX as part of the FRAM2 mission later this month. The groundbreaking mission will investigate how microgravity affects the eye’s natural microbiome, offering insights that could benefit astronaut health and unlock new medical discoveries on Earth. According to Falak, all necessary preparations — including sample collection, integration, and transportation — have been completed ahead of launch. Dr. Ayoub Al-Subaihi, CEO of Falak and the mission’s principal investigator, described the initiative as a major milestone for Saudi Arabia’s emerging space sector. “We are proud to be the first Saudi society specializing in space science and its applications,” he said. “In a short time, we’ve made a tangible impact through research and training programs that have supported students and scientists. This mission marks the next step in our journey.” Al-Subaihi emphasized the importance of nonprofit contributions to scientific advancement. The experiment will study how bacteria in the eye respond to low-gravity environments by analyzing genetic and protein changes that may impact astronaut health. Researchers will assess whether microgravity alters microbial resistance to antibiotics and encourages biofilm […]

1 year ago

British Chat Forums Shutter To Avoid New Internet Policing Law

British chat forums are shutting themselves down rather than face regulatory burdens recently applied to internet policing laws. On March 17, the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act, a law that regulates internet spaces, officially kicked into force. The law means that online platforms must immediately start putting in place measures to protect people in the UK from criminal activity with far-reaching implications for the internet. However, for some forums—from cyclists, hobbyists, and hamster owners, to divorced father support and more—the regulatory pressure is proving too much, and its myriad of rules are causing chat forums that have been operating for decades, in some cases, to call it a day. Conservative Peer Lord Daniel Moylan told The Epoch Times by email that “common sense suggests the sites least likely to survive will be hobby sites, community sites, and the like.” ‘Small But Risky Services’ The Act—which was celebrated as the world-first online safety law—was designed to ensure that tech companies take more responsibility for the safety of their users. For example, social media platforms, including user-to-user service providers, have the duty to proactively police harmful illegal content such as revenge and extreme pornography, sex trafficking, harassment, coercive or controlling behavior, and cyberstalking. But […]

1 year ago

Dubai Announces Great Online Sale; Launches Virtual Mall With 95% Discounts

Dubai’s Great Online Sale is set to return for its third edition from March 27 to 30, offering discounts of up to 95 per cent across numerous brands. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s sale introduces a new immersive virtual shopping experience allowing customers to explore participating retailers digitally. The four-day event—extended by one day compared to previous years—coincides with the Ramadan and Eid shopping period. Dubai’s Great Online Sale returns with new virtual shopping experience Dubai Retail Calendar 2025: Shopping festivals, sales, deals, offers and promotions Shoppers who register on the official website will gain access to the virtual mall where they can browse products from local and international brands across various categories including fashion, electronics, jewellery, home décor, and children’s items. Registered users will have the opportunity to unlock exclusive discount codes and enter draws for cash prizes, including a grand prize of AED100,000. Additional prizes worth up to AED50,000 are available for customers who visit five or more category sections within the virtual shopping platform. “The Great Online Sale returns this year to foster robust growth during Eid, one of the busiest periods for shopping in Dubai. We are thrilled to announce the launch of […]

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Search Here

World’s First Humanoid Robot Half Marathon Postponed Due To Windy Weather

Meta To Introduce Teen Accounts For Facebook

Watch: Falak Mission Takes Saudi Arabia Into Polar Orbit

Bahrain Space Agency Announces Progress In Initial Operations Of “Al-Munther” Satellite

Starlink Launches High-Speed Internet In Oman

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Robot Taxi Trials To Begin In Abu Dhabi Ahead Of 2026 Launch

Saudi Arabia to Launch First Space Research Mission on Eye Microbiome

British Chat Forums Shutter To Avoid New Internet Policing Law

Dubai Announces Great Online Sale; Launches Virtual Mall With 95% Discounts

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