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Beirut Plane Departure Aborted Due To Technical Difficulties

The aircraft had an issue with its speedometer but was able to return to service this morning.

Published

1 year ago

July 28, 2023

Nour Nasir

beirut plane departure aborted due to technical difficulties

Middle East Airlines

A plane departing from Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport had to abort its takeoff on Thursday following a decision by the pilot. The aircraft didn’t leave the tarmac but had to abandon takeoff while already accelerating down the runway.

The emergency was confirmed by a spokesman from the Lebanese travel agency Nakhal, which leases the aircraft to Middle East Airlines (MEA). An MEA source also explained that passengers were in no danger and rejected takeoffs are a standard safety practice if a pilot suspects mechanical failure.

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“Typically, during a takeoff phase, the captain and co-pilot signal each other when they reach 100 knots (185 km/h) to confirm that their instruments are synchronized. It was probably at this point that they detected the problem with the airspeed indicator, prompting the captain to abort the takeoff,” the pilot explained. “At this speed, braking may have been hard on the passengers, but the risks at this stage are under control”.

The Nakhal spokesman revealed that one person had fainted during the incident, but passengers were otherwise unharmed. Everyone involved was redirected to another flight to complete their journey.

Related Topics:Aviation Lebanon Middle East Airlines

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“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

16 hours 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”.

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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.