News

The First Female Saudi Astronaut Heads To Space On May 21

Rayyanah Barnawi is the first Arab Muslim female astronaut to journey to space, joining her teammate Ali AlQarni aboard the International Space Station.

Published

2 years ago

May 16, 2023

Nour Nasir

the first female saudi astronaut heads to space on may 21

Saudi Press Agency

On May 21, 2023, the Arab world will witness another historic mission to space as Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab Muslim female astronaut, blasts off from the United States on a journey to the International Space Station.

The mission is part of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious space research program and aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 manifesto. During the mission, Rayyanah Barnawi and teammate Ali AlQarni will conduct groundbreaking scientific experiments aimed at furthering human space exploration, as well as using live feeds to engage with 12,000 Saudi students.

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Once the mission has been successfully completed, Saudi Arabia will join a select few countries that have simultaneously sent two astronauts to the International Space Station.

The May 21 mission represents a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s space program, which aims to prepare future engineers and astronauts for further space-related assignments.

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

21 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.