News

Google Launches Arabic Version Of AI Chat Tool Bard

The generative AI platform can understand 16 dialects, including Saudi, Egyptian, and Emirati.

Published

2 years ago

July 13, 2023

google launches arabic version of ai chat tool bard

Alphabet, the company in charge of Google’s extensive suite of products, has launched an Arabic version of its artificial intelligence platform, Bard. The tool now contains updates to address Arabic speakers’ unique needs amid the search giant’s increasing rivalry with Microsoft and its infamous ChatGPT platform.

The conversational AI tool can understand questions in 16 colloquial Arabic dialects, including Egyptian, Emirati, and Saudi. However, the AI chatbot will provide answers in classical Arabic, Google execs explained at a Dubai press briefing.

“Bard will be available in the Arabic language across all corners of the Arab world as part of its global launch in 40 other languages,” announced Najeeb Jarrar, regional director of marketing for Google MENA.

google bard ai arabic language

Bard in Arabic now features a user interface supporting the language’s right-to-left script. At the same time, users can also input questions in several languages simultaneously, helping both bilingual speakers and novice language students.

“A big team of Google’s engineers and linguist experts worked together over the last months so that the product, Bard, will not just be a translation […] but a product that matches our use in the Arabic language,” said Marwa Khost, Google’s communications manager for MENA.

Also Read: Dubai’s Sheikh Hamdan Launches New Digital Cloud Project

When asked whether the relatively limited volume of Arabic online content would affect the depth of Bard’s responses, Google explained that the AI platform could source material from the wider online landscape and translate it into a user’s preferred language. The search company’s execs also noted that the amount of Arabic content had grown and diversified exponentially in recent years.

The launch of Bard in Arabic comes as the AI tool is rolled out across 59 new regions and countries, including Brazil and most of Europe. The latest expansion means Bard is available in 46 languages and 239 countries and territories.

Related Topics:Artificial Intelligence Bard Google

Up Next

Exclusive Nothing Phone (2) Launch Edition Announced

Don't Miss

Public Betas Of iOS 17, iPadOS 17 & watchOS 10 Are Here

Click to comment

News

UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know

A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.

The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.

The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

Also Read: UGREEN Nexode Pro Review: Portable Yet Powerful Chargers

Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.