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Baidu sues Apple for sabotaging its chatGPT version app Ernie

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Objecting to fake versions of its Ernie bot software being offered on Apple’s app store, Chinese search engine giant Baidu has launched lawsuits against “relevant” app developers and Apple Inc.

Baidu’s artificial intelligence-powered Ernie bot, which debuted last month to a disappointing note, can be seen as China’s most direct rival to the ChatGPT chatbot created in the US.

According to Baidu, it has filed cases in Beijing Haidian People’s Court against both Apple and the developers of the imitators of its Ernie bot.

“At present, Ernie does not have any official app,” Baidu said in a statement late on Friday posted on its official “Baidu AI” WeChat account.

It also posted a photograph of its court filing. “Until our company’s official announcement, any Ernie app you see from App Store or other stores are fake,” it said.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The share prices of Chinese search engine Baidu dropped 10 percent after plans for chatbot app Ernie were unveiled. Feature China via Getty Images

China’s Baidu unveiled Ernie Bot on March 16, but investors were disappointed with its use of pre-recorded videos and the lack of a public launch, sending its shares tumbling.

A Reuters search on Saturday found there were still at least four apps bearing the Chinese-language name of the Ernie bot, all fake, in Apple’s App Store.

The Ernie bot is only available to users who apply for and receive access codes. In its statement, Baidu also warned against people selling access codes.

Baidu is seen as a leader in a race in China among tech giants and startups to develop a rival to Microsoft. The company’s Ernie bot is based off its AI-driven deep learning model, Ernie – short for “Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration”.

Announcements

Ajman to launch new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre under 2026 law

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Ajman has announced the establishment of a new Rental Dispute Resolution Centre, aimed at streamlining landlord-tenant disputes and strengthening stability in the emirate’s real estate sector.

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, has issued Law No. (1) of 2026, formally creating the centre and replacing the existing rental disputes committee.

Clearer, Faster Rental Dispute Resolution

The new law introduces transparent and clearly defined mechanisms for reviewing and adjudicating rental disputes, with the objective of:

  • Protecting the rights of landlords and tenants
  • Enhancing confidence in Ajman’s property market
  • Supporting a stable and attractive investment environment

Jurisdiction and Scope

The specialised centre will have authority over all rental-related disputes between landlords and tenants, including:

  • Residential and commercial properties
  • Properties located within free zones

Cases will be handled using procedures aligned with recognised legal and judicial standards, ensuring fairness and consistency.

Boosting Market Stability

Officials said the new centre is designed to:

  • Speed up dispute resolution
  • Reduce litigation timelines
  • Ensure swift and effective justice

The move is expected to contribute to social and economic stability in Ajman’s leasing and real estate sector, while reinforcing investor confidence.






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Your face or palm could soon pay for purchases in the UAE

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Paying for everyday services in the UAE could soon be as simple as showing your face or palm.

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has introduced the region’s first biometric payment solution, allowing users to make payments using facial recognition or palm biometrics, without cards, cash, or mobile phones.

The new system is currently being tested in a pilot phase at the Dubai Land Department, where customers authenticate payments through biometric scans in a controlled environment.

How Biometric Payments Work

The pilot enables:

  • Payments using face or palm recognition
  • No need for physical cards or smartphones
  • Faster, more secure transactions

The initiative is part of the CBUAE Sandbox Programme and Innovation Hub at the Emirates Institute of Finance, developed in collaboration with Network International and powered by PopID.

Focus on Security and User Experience

The Central Bank said the pilot is designed to assess security, efficiency, and operational readiness before any wider rollout. No timeline has yet been announced for expanding the system beyond the testing phase.

CBUAE officials say biometric payments could significantly enhance transaction security while improving customer convenience. Industry leaders also expect biometric technology to play a growing role in digital commerce and cashless payments globally.

A Step Towards Cashless Payments

The pilot reflects the UAE’s broader push towards financial innovation, smart services, and cashless payment systems, positioning the country at the forefront of next-generation payment technology in the region.









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Dubai launches global challenge to build the world’s first fully robotic villa

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Dubai Municipality has launched a global challenge to construct the world’s first residential villa built entirely using robotic construction systems, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global testbed for advanced building technologies.

The project will be delivered by a consortium of more than 25 local and international technology companies and academic institutions, led by Dubai Municipality. Officials say the initiative aims to develop scalable, next-generation construction models that boost productivity, sustainability, and quality.

The announcement was made during the launch of 04 ConTech Valley, Dubai’s new Construction Innovation and Research Centre, developed in partnership with Expo City Dubai.

Global ConTech Momentum

At the event, Dubai Municipality also unveiled the Global ConTech Report, which projects that global construction technology investment will exceed $30 billion by 2033, growing at 17.5% annually.

Key findings highlight:

  • Labour shortages are a major global challenge
  • Rising investment in robotics and additive manufacturing
  • Rapid adoption of AI, robotics, prefabrication, and infrastructure technologies

Building a Stronger Innovation Ecosystem

Dubai Municipality also launched the ConTech Working Group, in collaboration with Dubai Chambers, bringing together government, developers, contractors, investors, researchers, and tech firms to accelerate innovation across the sector.

70–70 Strategy for 2030

Dubai also launched the 70–70 Strategy, aiming to shift 70% of construction to off-site manufacturing and achieve 70% factory automation by 2030, driving higher efficiency and sustainability.

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