News

New Samsung Astro Watch Honors Middle East Science Pioneers

The smartwatch will be part of a series of collectable devices exclusive to the region.

Published

1 year ago

August 28, 2023

Nour Nasir

Samsung

Samsung’s Gulf Electronics division has unveiled a limited edition version of its latest Galaxy Watch6 commemorating the Middle East’s contributions to science, astronomy, and timekeeping.

The 47mm Galaxy Watch6 Astro Edition features a rotating bezel with a unique astronomy pattern and a face that shows lunar and solar phases. The device was announced by T.M. Roh, president and head of Samsung’s mobile experience business, in Dubai.

Among those honored by the Galaxy Astro Edition are Muhammad Ibn Ibrahim Al Fazari, a mathematician and astronomer who built the Muslim world’s first astrolabe, and Al Battani, widely accepted as the greatest astronomer of the Islamic Golden Age.

The regular versions of the Watch6 series (base model and Classic) were unveiled alongside Samsung’s latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Flip5, at last month’s Seoul Galaxy Unpacked event.

Samsung did not specify the number of Astro Edition watches in the limited-edition run, but Fadi Abu Shamat, head of Samsung Gulf’s mobile experience division, said he was “confident that [they] will sell out within the first weeks of launch,” adding, “The Middle East holds a special place in Samsung’s heart as a region of dynamic innovation and tech-savvy enthusiasts […] The launch of the Astro Edition here is a testament to our commitment to providing tailored solutions that celebrate the region’s rich legacy and cater to the Gulf markets’ preferences and needs”.

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The Galaxy Watch6 Astro Edition is the first in a series of limited-editions specific to the Middle East. Samsung Gulf did not provide a timetable or details for future versions but has noted that they will be available in the “UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Turkey”.

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.