News

UAE Announces Freezone For Digital & Virtual Asset Companies

Applications will be allowed during the second quarter of 2023.

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2023

uae announces freezone for digital and virtual asset companies

His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and UAE Supreme Council Member, has set plans in motion to establish the world’s first digital and virtual asset company freezone.

The independent governmental authority known as the RAK Digital Assets Oasis is affiliated with the newly created Department of the Future. The recently implemented law grants the RAK Digital Assets Oasis complete financial, administrative, and legislative independence, allowing it to function as a purpose-built free zone for the virtual assets sector.

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“The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has been playing a leading role in national efforts to strengthen the UAE’s diversified, sustainable economy. With the nation’s focus on digitalization and encouraging enterprises of the future, RAK Digital Assets Oasis will serve as the gateway for global digital and virtual assets companies to establish their operations and grow their business,” says His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

The Ras Al Khaimah Digital Assets Oasis freezone opens for applications in Q2 of 2023. The government hopes to attract innovators and startups in a range of sectors, including the metaverse, blockchain, virtual asset wallets, NFTs, and other Web3-related businesses.

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”.

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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.