News

Aramex And Regent To Develop Electric Seagliders

The UAE logistics company will team up with a US maritime transport firm to explore opportunities in the Middle East and beyond.

Published

1 year ago

December 21, 2023

Nour Nasir

Regent

Aramex, the Middle East’s largest courier company, has teamed with US maritime transport firm Regent to develop a fleet of electric seagliders to transport goods from ports to warehouses and distribution centers.

The Regent-built seagliders combine an aircraft’s speed with a boat’s practicality and convenience. Built to serve island and coastal communities, the hybrid craft will carry people and cargo up to 290 km using sustainable battery technology.

regent electric seagliders

“We are keen to enhance our capabilities to move packages efficiently and effectively over sea routes, given the expansion and development of coastal cities within our core region. [The electric seagliders] complete the trifecta of air, sea, and land for our future vehicle program development,” explained Angad Singh, global director for innovation at Aramex.

The Aramex and Regent partnership is facilitated through the UAE’s Strategic Development Fund and aims to explore opportunities in the Middle East and other important markets.

aramex and regent partnership

The two companies will identify potential “middle-mile” routes on which seagliders can move cargo from ports to nearby distribution hubs. The scheme aims to offer a cleaner and more efficient alternative to existing logistics options.

Demand for sustainable logistics is rising, with 75% of transport companies actively searching for environmentally friendly shipping options in a bid to lower carbon footprints and keep trade flowing.

Also Read: Dubai Crown Prince Takes Test Ride In Self-Driving Taxi

According to Billy Thalheimer, co-founder and chief executive of Regent, middle-mile logistics is a “large, untapped opportunity for sustainable innovation,” and the partnership will “unlock new economic potential”.

Last month, Aramex announced a massive 76% drop in third-quarter profits amid continued worldwide economic challenges, soaring interest rates, and currency fluctuations. Shares owned by equity holders for the three months to the end of September 2023 are now valued at around $2.6 million.

News

“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.