News

Saudi Arabia Launches $200 Million High-Tech Investment Fund

The spending is part of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology’s strategy to promote economic diversification and create new technical jobs.

Published

1 year ago

August 21, 2023

Nour Nasir

saudi arabia launches $200 million high-tech investment fund

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced the launch of a $200 million fund to invest in domestic and international tech firms as part of the Kingdom’s economic diversification plan.

The investment fund is part of a strategy devised by the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and focuses on “increasing the likelihood of turning research into economically beneficial innovations”.

Plans include launching the National Transformation Institute for Applied Research (NTI) to improve technology development and commercialization, restructuring research centers, and creating a new fund to “enhance economic diversification and contribute to the creation of high-quality technical jobs”.

HRH the Crown Prince launches KAUST's new strategy, which aims to transform research into economically productive innovations by focusing on the national priorities for research, development, and innovation.https://t.co/yvZ8UnnFcR #SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/yEqS7Zia05

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) August 20, 2023

“The new strategy builds on Kaust’s scientific and academic achievements and represents a new era for the university to become a beacon of knowledge and a source of inspiration and innovation in line with Vision 2030 aspirations,” Prince Mohammed explained in a recent press release.

Technology is an essential pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy as the country transitions away from oil production. The Kingdom is projected to invest $34.6 billion on information and communications technology by the end of 2023, making it the top-spending nation in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa.

Also Read: Dubai Municipality To Test Construction Materials Using AI Robots

In February, Saudi Arabia announced plans to invest $9 billion in its technology sector, which includes a $2.1 billion commitment from Microsoft. In addition, Oracle has announced plans to invest $1.5 billion in Saudi cloud computing, and Huawei has earmarked $400 million to enhance the country’s cloud infrastructure.

Meanwhile, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology will continue collaborating with several international tech companies, including IBM and Boeing, and has partnered with academic and commercial institutes in Shenzhen on aerospace, robotics, and microelectronics projects.

News

The New Nissan Patrol Makes Its Worldwide Debut In Abu Dhabi

The seventh-gen off-roader boasts a bold new design, powerful V6 twin-turbo engine, adaptive air suspension, and plenty of cutting-edge technology.

Published

1 day ago

September 5, 2024

Nour Nasir

Nissan

Yesterday, Nissan revealed the all-new seventh-generation Nissan Patrol to an excited audience in Abu Dhabi. The launch marks a significant milestone for the iconic off-roader, whose unveiling drew an audience of royals, VIPs, top Nissan executives, dealers, media, and prospective buyers.

During the event, Nissan president and CEO Makoto Uchida said: “The all-new Patrol is a prime example of the exciting and empowering models we are delivering under our global business plan, The Arc. The seventh generation is a bold leap forward, blending unparalleled performance, cutting-edge technology, and a commanding presence to redefine what an SUV can be”.

A Legendary Off-Roader, Reinvented

The all-new Nissan Patrol has updated styling that exudes strength and durability. The bold exterior, paired with 22-inch alloy wheels, comes in seven distinctive colors, four of which are two-tone combinations, allowing drivers to customize the Patrol to suit their personal style.

Enhanced Power And Performance

2025 nissan patrol exterior

This latest Nissan Patrol is the most powerful version of the off-roader yet, thanks to a newly developed 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo engine. This powerplant delivers 425 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque, channeled through a sophisticated 9-speed automatic transmission.

The Patrol’s dynamic suspension utilizes advanced e-damper technology that adapts automatically to varying driving conditions. Meanwhile, adaptive air suspension allows drivers to adjust the vehicle’s ride height, ensuring a seamless transition between highway driving and challenging off-road conditions.

Luxurious Interior And Advanced Technology

2025 nissan patrol interior

Inside, the all-new Patrol offers a spacious, luxurious cabin. A panoramic sunroof lets in natural light, creating an airy and inviting environment. Infotainment includes a 28.6-inch main display, complemented by two 14.3-inch displays for navigation, media, and vehicle settings. Rear passengers can enjoy (optional) dual 12.8-inch screens supporting Miracast, HDMI, and USB inputs.

The Patrol’s sound system features 12 Klipsch Premium speakers, delivering exceptional audio quality. Connectivity comes courtesy of NissanConnect 2.0 and Google Built-In, providing seamless smartphone integration for everyone inside.

Also Read: Initial Trials Of Dubai’s Driverless Evocargo Trucks Completed

A final interesting feature of the new Patrol is its Biometric Cooling. The system uses an infrared sensor to monitor the body temperature of front and second-row occupants, automatically adjusting airflow to provide optimal comfort.

The all-new Nissan Patrol will soon be available across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the rest of the Middle East, with the first orders arriving from November 1, 2024.