ABU DHABI, 22nd August, 2026 (WAM) — The sports sector in the UAE is witnessing rapid growth in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications and advanced technologies, with these tools moving beyond experimentation and innovation to become practical solutions supporting planning, physical preparation and training. They also provide accurate indicators that help technical and administrative teams assess and improve performance, strengthening efforts to identify talent and develop elite athletes. Digital technologies have become a key component of modern sports preparation. Assessments of athletes are no longer based solely on direct observation and competition results but increasingly draw on the…
Author: Editorial Team
Ramki Jayaraman, Managing Partner at Synarchy Consulting, outlines the importance of sovereign cloud, its dependencies and more in this exclusive op-ed. For most of the past two decades, MENA built its digital economy by importing capability. Global cloud providers supplied the infrastructure, international software houses supplied the platforms, and enterprises across the region became sophisticated buyers and integrators of technology developed elsewhere. That model served the region well, accelerating digitisation and allowing organisations to leapfrog legacy infrastructure. But the next phase will be shaped by a different question. Technology leaders across MENA are no longer asking only which technologies they…
WASHINGTON — The United States imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday, prompting Canada to announce immediate retaliatory measures after last-minute negotiations failed to resolve a deepening trade dispute between the longtime allies. President Donald Trump’s tariffs affect roughly 5% of Canada’s annual exports to the United States and cover products ranging from hockey sticks to tongue depressors. “Canada will match those tariffs dollar for dollar to protect our workers and businesses,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement. The retaliatory move escalates the trade conflict between two of the world’s closest…
WASHINGTON, 22nd August, 2026 (WAM) — The United States imposed 50 percent tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday, and Canada immediately said it would retaliate, after last-ditch negotiations failed to resolve the latest strain in already tense relations between the historic allies. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a statement, “The retaliation escalates the trade conflict and calls into question the future of a North American trade pact between the United States, Canada and Mexico that is crucial to industry in all three countries.” Carney blamed Washington for the breakdown, saying “last-minute changes in the…
Apple recently took steps to end its long-running battle with the European Commission over app distribution by overhauling developer terms across the European Union. Under these new terms the company will charge a 5% Core Technology Commission on digital sales from outside its store. The company announced on the 18th of August 2026 that it will eliminate its controversial per-install Core Technology Fee, which drew heavy criticism from competition regulators for hindering alternative marketplaces. In its place, Apple is introducing the new 5% Core Technology Commission applied strictly to digital transactions in apps distributed via third-party stores or web downloads.…
SAN JOSE, California, 22nd August, 2026 (WAM) — US technology company Apple has disclosed for the first time the amount of profit it made and taxes it paid in each European Union country, in compliance with new transparency rules. Data for the fiscal year ending in September 2025 showed exceptional tax payments of US$17.1 billion in Ireland, which the company attributed to the release of funds that had been frozen following its loss of a long-running legal battle with the European Commission. The ruling required Apple to pay billions of dollars in back taxes and interest relating to previous tax…
Fernando Pernigo, Regional Vice President, Solera and Salman Al-Suhaibani, Chief Business & Operations Officer, NAJM. The strategic partnership will support faster claims processing, greater standardisation and improved customer experiences across the Kingdom’s motor insurance ecosystem Solera, the global leader in vehicle lifecycle management and claims solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with Najm, the national platform powering motor accident management across Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion across the Middle East. Motor insurance remains one of the Middle East’s largest insurance segments, driven by rising vehicle ownership and mandatory insurance adoption. According to Research &…
SHARJAH, 21st August, 2026 (WAM) — More than 1,000 artificial intelligence (AI)-related companies have established operations at Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone (SPC Free Zone), highlighting the growing presence of technology and new economy businesses in the emirate. The AI companies operating from SPC Free Zone cover a range of activities. Some 691 specialise in AI research, innovation and consultancy, while 125 focus on AI model training. A further 110 companies develop AI-powered solutions, while 26 are engaged in intelligent systems and robotics. Other businesses operate in areas including advanced AI research and robotics trading, taking the total number of…
DUBAI, 21st August, 2026 (WAM) — Dubai Municipality has launched “Dubai Historic Doors” at Dubai International Airport in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai and Dubai Airports. The initiative provides travellers with an immersive visual, historical and cultural experience inspired by the historic doors that form a distinctive part of Dubai’s architectural heritage. The experience brings together the richness of Dubai’s past and its future-facing identity, welcoming visitors through an interpretation of the traditional doors that characterised the emirate’s historic homes, markets and neighbourhoods and reflecting Dubai’s message of welcoming the world. Running from…
Vehere, a global AI cyber defence company specialising in AI-powered Network Detection and Response (NDR) and Full Packet Capture (PCAP), recently announced Avientek FZCO as its official distributor for the Middle East region. Through this partnership, Avientek will distribute Vehere’s NDR and PCAP solutions across its regional reseller ecosystem, helping enterprises, governments, and critical infrastructure organisations strengthen cyber resilience. Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and the growing use of AI by bad actors, UAE authorities have reported a steep increase in cyber-attacks targeting organisations across the region. Around 70% of attacks targeting government platforms, critical infrastructure and enterprise networks are linked…