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Dubai Has Launched An AI-Powered Digital Concierge

The new platform answers questions from residents and visitors about tourism, entertainment, aviation, healthcare, and education.

Published

1 year ago

October 12, 2023

Nour Nasir

dubai has launched an ai-powered digital concierge

Emirates News Agency

The United Arab Emirates is home to several cutting-edge AI initiatives, with Dubai already using the tech to power a smart police station and part of its healthcare system.

With the Emirate’s AI sector projected to make up 20% of the country’s GDP over the next decade, Dubai is rapidly becoming a global artificial intelligence hub. Now, forward-thinking government officials from the Dubai Digital project have launched a new AI-powered “digital concierge” system offering residents and visitors a wide range of services and information.

The AI-powered interactive concierge will be continuously updated with data from official sources. Acting as a personal digital assistant for users, queries can be answered in real-time, with a personalized, interactive dialogue presenting accurate results.

dubai digital concierge launch event

Users of the new platform can field questions about 15 sectors, including tourism, healthcare, entertainment, education, and aviation. Although functionally similar to tools like ChatGPT, Dubai AI is specifically trained to provide detailed information about the city.

During Wednesday’s Dubai Assembly for Generative AI, the Chief Executive of the Digital Dubai Government Establishment, Matar Al Hemeiri, described the new platform as a “unified, seamless channel” and shared plans to expand the service across the public and private sectors.

Meanwhile, Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, called for innovation to harmonize emerging technologies with government policy at a time when AI business opportunities are said to be worth nearly $4.5 trillion.

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“Regulation is extremely important. We need to understand how we can regulate something as big as generative AI. But we need to get started now and look at the challenges and understand the risks,” Belhoul noted.

The CEO of Dubai’s Future Foundation was also keen to explain that developing AI and maximizing its potential could result in GCC countries enjoying over $23 billion in related economic benefits by 2030.

Related Topics:Artificial Intelligence Dubai

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Dubai Duty Free And TerraPay Partner For Seamless Digital Wallet Payments

The move will enhance convenience for the 100 million customers traveling through Dubai Airport each year.

Published

1 day ago

February 4, 2025

Nour Nasir

dubai duty free and terrapay partner for seamless digital wallet payments

Dubai Duty Free (DDF), the world’s largest single airport retailer, has teamed with payment provider TerraPay to simplify transactions for international travelers. The partnership will allow over 100 million customers to pay using their home-country digital wallets, including Airtel Money, M-PESA, and MTN MoMooffering, allowing for seamless and accessible shopping experiences.

With TerraPay’s global network of 3.7 billion mobile wallets and its cross-border payments infrastructure, Dubai Duty Free is expanding its payment options to meet evolving consumer preferences. By integrating digital wallets into its system, DDF provides a convenient alternative to traditional payment methods, making transactions much smoother for travelers.

Digital wallets are rapidly becoming the dominant payment method worldwide: In 2025, they are expected to handle 52% of global eCommerce transactions and 30% of all in-store purchases. In addition, digital wallets are already projected to surpass 35% of all cross-border payments this year, highlighting the growing demand for fast, easy, and secure transactions.

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Ambar Sur, Founder & CEO of TerraPay, stated, “Our partnership with Dubai Duty Free […] reflects our shared vision […] to enhance convenience and accessibility, building an inclusive ecosystem that prioritizes customers. It also aligns with the launch of TerraPay’s Wallet Interoperability Council, which aims to create a more connected global payment landscape”.

Echoing this sentiment, Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, said, “We are reinforcing our commitment to empowering our customers by enabling them to pay with their preferred methods. Dubai Duty Free has always been at the forefront of technological advancements, and with access to TerraPay’s vast network, we’re excited to offer this new payment solution”.