News

Google Brings Plus Codes To 18 MENA Countries

The geocode system behind the feature, called the Open Location Code, was developed at Google’s Zürich engineering office and launched in 2014.

Published

3 years ago

April 22, 2022

David Morelo

google brings plus codes to 18 mena countries

The Plus Codes feature of Google Maps will soon be turned on for users in 18 MENA countries, including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria.

The feature allows Google Maps users to turn their latitude and longitude co-ordinates into a short sequence of numbers and letters that they can easily share with others.

google maps how plus codes work

“Plus Codes are like street addresses for people or places that don’t have one,” explains Google. “With a Plus Code, people can receive deliveries, access emergency and social services, or just help other people find them.”

The geocode system behind the feature, called the Open Location Code (OLC), was developed at Google’s Zürich engineering office and launched in 2014.

Also Read: Disney+ Confirms Its Middle East Launch Date

Earlier this year, Plus Codes launched in India, quickly attracting hundreds of thousands of users. Plus Codes are also widely used by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governments in Sub-Saharan Africa, and businesses that want to make it easier for customers to find them.

To Generate A Plus Code On A Computer

Open Google Maps.
Select the location for which you want to generate a Plus Code.
Click the coordinates (such as 49.475019, 17.116156) displayed in the info box at the bottom.
Hover your mouse over the plus code in the left pane.
Click the copy button to copy the generated Plus Code to the clipboard.

To Generate A Plus Code On A Mobile Device

Launch the Google Maps app.
Drop a pin at the location for which you want to generate a Plus Code.
Tap the “Dropped pin” panel at the bottom.
Find the Plus Code beside the Plus Code logo.
Tap the Plus Code to copy it to the clipboard.

Alternatively, you can use the map on the official website of Plus Code to quickly generate a Plus Code for any location with a street address.

News

Yabi Introduces AI Financial Coach For Smarter Money Moves

The app provides real-time, personalized financial guidance, helping UAE residents manage money smarter, reduce debt, and build wealth effortlessly.

Published

18 hours ago

February 22, 2025

Nour Nasir

Yabi

Imagine having 24/7 access to an expert financial advisor — someone who understands your spending habits, helps you save more effectively, and offers guidance for every financial decision. That’s the vision behind Yabi’s revamped platform, an AI-driven finance app designed to transform personal finance management in the UAE.

Unlike traditional budgeting tools, Yabi acts as an always-available AI advisor, analyzing your unique spending patterns and offering real-time, tailored financial advice. Whether you’re making everyday purchases, planning a big trip, or saving for a major milestone, Yabi keeps you on track and helps you make informed financial choices.

Rakhil Fernando, CEO of Yabi, explains the mission behind the platform: “Financial literacy is not optional — it’s essential. But most financial tools today feel outdated and overly complex. Yabi is here to change that by offering AI-powered financial coaching that’s smart, simple, and accessible to everyone in the UAE”.

Here are some of the updated app’s new features:

AI-Powered Financial Coach: A 24/7 digital advisor providing real-time financial guidance based on your spending habits and available in multiple languages.
Live Insights: Connect your bank accounts for a detailed breakdown of your expenses.
Tailored Budgeting: Yabi creates a budget that fits with your actual spending habits rather than generic financial advice.
Interactive Financial Education: Learn the essentials of saving, investing, and credit management through engaging content integrated into the AI experience.
Automated Expense Tracking: Receive instant alerts on overspending, identify hidden charges, and cut unnecessary subscriptions with ease.
Credit Score & Financial Health Monitoring: Get free credit score checks and AI-driven recommendations to enhance your financial standing.

Also Read: A Guide To Digital Payment Methods In The Middle East

Finally, Yabi is also gearing up to introduce its own debit card and a suite of financial products, making it easier to save, spend, and invest within a single platform.

Want to try Yabi for yourself? You can download the app on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.