Cisco, a global technology leader driving innovation in AI-powered digital infrastructure, is advancing its sovereign AI infrastructure vision with a focus on supporting Qatar’s next phase of digital transformation. Working alongside its longstanding technology partner, Mannai Corporation QPSC, through Mannai Technologies – Networking & ELV, Cisco’s approach brings together advanced computing, networking, cybersecurity and infrastructure management capabilities to address the growing demand for secure, resilient and locally controlled AI environments. The initiative reflects the increasing importance of digital sovereignty as governments and enterprises accelerate AI adoption, placing greater emphasis on data control, operational independence and the security of critical digital…
Author: Editorial Team
ABU DHABI, 26th October, 2026 (WAM) — etisalat UAE, the flagship telecom arm of the etisalat group, and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) have partnered to establish a five-year framework for joint research, innovation and talent development. The agreement creates a long-term framework to bring academic research closer to real world industry applications, while developing national talent in critical areas of technology. This spans three tracks: research, innovation and testbeds; talent development and capability building; and university advancement and strategic support. Named areas of mutual interest include artificial intelligence, telecommunications and next-generation networks, smart mobility, digital transformation, cybersecurity, data…
DUBAI, 26th October, 2026 (WAM) — DMCC, the leading international business district driving the flow of global trade through Dubai, today convened the seventh Dubai Diamond Conference, bringing together senior government officials and global industry leaders to chart a new direction for the natural diamond sector. The conference also saw the announcement of a new education partnership with HRD Antwerp, the unveiling of the Infinity diamond, an exceptional 888.88-carat fancy black natural diamond, and the launch of the world’s first dedicated Dubai Cut – Dhamani Boutique. Held under the theme “Diamond 2.0: A Strategic Reset – Reigniting Desire, Unlocking New…
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Commerce has recalled 1,355 Ford and Lincoln vehicles over a defect in the front windshield wiper arms that could reduce visibility while driving. The recall covers four models from 2021 to 2023: Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Ford Super Duty F-250 and Ford Super Duty F-600. According to the ministry, the defect involves the installation of the front windshield wiper arms, which could malfunction or detach while driving, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of an accident. Owners of affected vehicles are advised to check whether their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is included in the…
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s domestic non-oil exports increased by 8.5 percent year-on-year in August 2026, despite an overall decline in merchandise exports, according to the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The authority’s International Merchandise Trade Statistics report showed that plastics, rubber and their products accounted for the largest share of non-oil exports at 22.6 percent, recording a 7.5 percent increase compared with August 2025. Meanwhile, the ratio of non-oil exports, including re-exports, to imports edged up to 36.51 percent, compared with 36.48 percent in August 2025. Despite the growth in domestic non-oil exports, total non-oil exports, including re-exports, declined by…
Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director for the Gulf, Levant, Türkiye, Caucasus & Central Asia, Cisco. Cisco’s Abdelilah Nejjari discusses how workload priorities, operational skills and agent security shape sovereign AI infrastructure across the UAE and wider region. AI sovereignty is widening the enterprise conversation from where data resides to who can access it, operate the underlying infrastructure and govern its use. Organisations pursuing AI must balance control over sensitive workloads with access to global innovation, while developing the skills and processes needed to manage increasingly autonomous systems. Abdelilah Nejjari, Managing Director for the Gulf, Levant, Türkiye, Caucasus & Central Asia at…
ABU DHABI, 26th October, 2026 (WAM) — EDGE has completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in CMD S.r.l., a leading Italian company specialised in the design, prototyping and development of advanced propulsion systems for automotive, marine and aeronautical applications. The transaction, signed in Rome, follows the agreement reached in May 2026 at CMD’s plant in Atella, in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy, and gives EDGE direct access to more than 35 years of piston engine manufacturing excellence, marking a landmark step in the Group’s European expansion. With EDGE’s backing, CMD is positioned for significant expansion to meet rising…
DUBAI, 26th October, 2026 (WAM) — Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded Parkway International Contracting LLC a construction contract valued at more than AED 950 million for Phases 2 and 4 of Bay Grove Residences on Dubai Islands. The contract covers 617 homes ranging from one to four-bedroom across eight residential buildings, together with basement works, associated infrastructure and amenities including swimming pools, sports courts and fitness centres. Phase 2 comprises 360 homes across four buildings, with main construction works expected to be completed by late 2028. Phase 4 comprises 257 homes across four buildings, with…
ABU DHABI, 26th October, 2026 (WAM) — The inaugural Middle East edition of the Arabian Chatbot & Agentic AI Summit opened Monday at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing together technology and artificial intelligence experts, government representatives and industry professionals to explore advances in AI applications and their potential to improve services and operational efficiency. The summit focused on agentic AI, including systems capable of performing multi-step tasks, alongside generative AI, chatbots and voice technologies, and their impact on workplaces, digital services and customer experiences. Discussions covered AI governance, data sovereignty, cybersecurity, ethics and regulatory compliance, as well as practical applications…
SHARJAH, 26th October, 2026 (WAM) — United Arab Bank P.J.S.C. (UAB) has reported its financial results for the nine months ended 30 September 2026 (9M 2026). UAB has reported a net profit of AED333 million for 9M 2026, up 6% year-on-year, demonstrating the resilience of its business model and prudent risk management practices amidst ongoing regional geopolitical uncertainty and an overall challenging operating environment. This was driven by continued growth in operating income by 12% year-on-year, complemented by disciplined expense management and reversal in impairment charges as a result of successful resolutions of delinquent loans. Total assets grew by 16%…