News

NEOM Unveils Zardun, A High-End Ecotourism Retreat

The project aims to further improve the ever-growing Saudi ecotourism market with an upscale sanctuary resort.

Published

12 months ago

January 25, 2024

Nour Nasir

NEOM

According to recent data from Savills, the global ecotourism sector is projected to experience an annual growth rate of 15% from 2021 to 2027. In alignment with that upward trend, NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious $500 billion urban development, has disclosed plans to build an upscale sanctuary resort.

The lavish retreat, known as Zardun, will be built on a four-square-kilometer site, offering breathtaking vistas of the Gulf of Aqaba. NEOM officials have also confirmed that Zardun will boast no fewer than three deluxe boutique hotels.

Zardun will be populated by indigenous flora and fauna from the mountains to the shores and provide educational programs and on-site initiatives dedicated to the preservation, conservation, and rejuvenation of nature.

Also Read: Dubai Plans To Deploy Driverless Pods And Green Rail Buses

The site will be meticulously crafted to “blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings” as a further commitment to sustainable tourism. Additionally, Zardun will incorporate a 360-degree observation platform, affording guests unparalleled panoramas. Ecotourism pursuits available to visitors will include hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, stargazing, meditation, yoga, and more.

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

22 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.