News

Google Launches Largest AI Initiative In The MENA Region

Introduced in Dubai, the program focuses on AI skill-building, funding, and infrastructure, aiming to unlock $320 billion in growth.

Published

4 months ago

November 1, 2024

Nour Nasir

Google

At the AI Connect event in Dubai, which saw participation from Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI, as well as other regional leaders and entrepreneurs, Google introduced its AI Opportunity Initiative for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

The program is the most extensive AI endeavor in the region and is aimed at expanding access to essential AI skills, research funding, and AI-driven products.

Google.org, the company’s philanthropic division, will allocate $15 million from this year through to 2027 to regional organizations. The funding is intended to broaden AI’s reach, ensuring it supports diverse communities across MENA and includes resources in skill development, research, infrastructure, and product launches in Arabic:

AI Skill Development: Google is committed to making AI education inclusive and widely available. New educational programs are being launched, focusing on providing an AI Curriculum in Arabic, along with support for underserved communities. In addition, an AI safety education program for young people (ages 11-14) will be funded via a grant to the Raspberry Pi Foundation.
AI Research & Local Solutions: Since 2005, Google has invested over $400 million globally in research. In the MENA region, Google is supporting local institutions through the startup accelerator startAD to develop AI applications supporting healthcare, education, and climate.
AI-Powered Tools In Arabic: Google’s Gemini, an AI-powered assistant that understands over 16 Arabic dialects, launched in July 2023. New Arabic features include personalized guidance in learning and career advice, plus language-specific conversational and image-generation tools.
Infrastructure Investment: Google has reasserted its commitment to cloud infrastructure in MENA, with data regions in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. A partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will support this effort with an AI hub to expand AI research and to boost digital skills for regional job growth.

Also Read: Wa’ed Ventures Pledges $100M For Early-Stage AI Startup Funding

Commenting on the project, Ruth Porat, President of Alphabet and Google, stated, “Google’s long-standing investments in the Middle East and North Africa have helped equip people and organizations with the connectivity, innovation, and skills required to thrive in the global digital economy”.

Related Topics:Artificial Intelligence Google

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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

3 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.