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.

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”.
Also Read: Corsair Unveils Huge, Expandable, All-In-One Standing Desk
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
Abu Dhabi’s Hub71 To Help Climate Technology Startups
The initiative was announced at the COP28 summit and will help selected startups with a $200,000 cash injection and further incentives.

Hub71, Abu Dhabi’s global technology system, has launched a new initiative to support climate technology startups backed by several of the UAE’s largest public and private sector organizations.
Known as the Hub71+ ClimateTech ecosystem, the program was announced at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai, with funding commitments from 25+ local and international partners already in place.
A total of 342 startups have submitted applications so far, with the top companies being added to a shortlist that will be revealed shortly. Selected startups will receive Dh250,000 ($68,000) in incentives and an upfront cash support package of Dh250,000. In addition, the top performers of Hub71’s new initiative will also receive a top-up of up to Dh250,000 in exchange for additional equity.
Ahmad Alwan, deputy chief executive of Hub71, said: “This initiative aims to bring in different entities that have a shared mission towards climate tech […] Throughout the journey, we will support these companies, not only from being startups to becoming mature companies but also to facilitate their engagement with entities that would support them with access to capital, market, and talent”.
The Hub71+ ClimateTech ecosystem is backed by the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company and the National Central Cooling Company, who have each pledged Dh500,000 to the initiative as anchor partners.
Also Read: Wisdom Motor Brings First Zero-Emission Bus To GCC
They are joined by corporate partners, including Abu Dhabi holding company ADQ, Aldar Properties, sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Masdar City, and Dubai’s Emirates NBD. In addition, Siemens Energy is also onboard as an anchor partner.
So far, Hub71 has helped 260 member startups and created over 1,000 jobs, according to the organization’s website. In addition, it has collectively raised around Dh5 billion since its foundation in 2019.