News

NEOM Announces Luxury Tourism Destination Epicon

The glistening coastal tower will be situated on the Gulf of Aqaba and is billed as “a gateway to the future”.

Published

1 year ago

November 16, 2023

Nour Nasir

NEOM

Planners of NEOM, the sustainable urban development being built in northwest Saudi Arabia, have announced a new addition to the project named Epicon, a luxury coastal tourism destination on the Gulf of Aqaba.

Epicon will “set new standards of hospitality and architecture”, according to a recent NEOM press release. Rising from the desert like a glistening mirage, the facility will feature two huge towers, one 225 meters tall and the second a massive 275 meters. The towers will house 41 ultra-premium hotels and luxury residences comprising 14 suites and apartments. A short distance from the hotel, a separate resort complex will blend “tranquility with indulgence” with another 120 rooms and 45 residential beachside villas.

In the press release, NEOM officials describe Epicon as a place “designed as a gateway to the future [providing] an opportunity to escape the stresses of the every day”. Whether relaxing at the beachside club, taking a wellness treatment at the luxurious spa, or exploring the surrounding nature, the coastal tower resort will offer guests an unparalleled experience, along with a wide array of culinary options from its many restaurants and bistros.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Freelance Platforms In The Middle East

Epicon will also offer residential apartments, giving unrestricted access to world-class facilities and views of one of the most desirable shorelines in the region. Amenities will include a state-of-the-art gym, high-tech workspaces, a library, swimming pools, and club lounges.

News of the Epicon facility follows the recent announcement by NEOM of Leyja, a sustainable tourism destination situated in a beautiful natural valley. Overall, it appears that the development of Saudi Arabia’s northwest region will soon make it one of the world’s most desirable tourist locations.

News

“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

19 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”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

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.