Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has announced a groundbreaking Dh2 billion partnership between Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) and Microsoft to develop a new hyperscale data centre in the city.

The announcement came during Dubai AI Week 2025. The initiative is part of the Dubai Future Foundation’s broader vision for positioning the emirate as a global leader in digital innovation.

The new data centre, to be built in multiple phases, will cater to the surging demand for AI capabilities and sovereign cloud solutions. Microsoft will be the anchor tenant, using the facility to support its expanding cloud services and next-gen digital infrastructure across the region.

“This project is a key investment in Dubai’s digital future,” said Sheikh Hamdan. 

The move is part of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, launched in 2024. The new facility also supports Dubai’s goal of diversifying beyond traditional telecoms into future-focused industries, contributing to the city’s emergence as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and AI-driven economic growth.

Dubai AI Week 2025 continues until April 25, with over 180 speakers, 150 sessions, and participation from innovators and experts representing more than 100 nationalities.

(Source: Wam)

Dubai International Airport is rolling out a new fast-track service that allows passengers to breeze through passport control without stopping for traditional identity checks. The service, launched at the First and Business Class lounges in Terminal 3, uses cutting-edge AI and facial recognition technology to streamline the immigration process.

Here’s how it works

Passengers who opt for the ‘Unlimited Smart Travel’ service will have their identity verified using pre-registered facial data, allowing them to skip document checks altogether. Cameras in the lounge capture their faces from various angles, quickly confirming their identity as they walk through. The system can process up to 10 passengers simultaneously, meaning much faster passage through the gates.

The initiative builds on the success of the Smart Tunnel system, first introduced in 2020, which allowed passengers to complete passport control in seconds. With this new upgrade, the process is even more efficient, cutting wait times and enhancing the overall travel experience.

Hi-tech features

Currently, the service is available only for departing passengers, but plans are in place to expand it to arriving travellers in the future. All passengers need to do is register once, and their facial data is saved for future use, making each trip quicker and easier.

With the number of travellers expected to rise, this innovation is designed to keep things running smoothly, improving both speed and customer satisfaction. It’s a significant step toward making Dubai International Airport one of the most tech-forward and efficient airports in the world.

Dubai Media Academy has launched a new initiative aimed at developing AI tools that can better understand and support Arabic content, especially the unique languages, dialects, and cultures across the Arab world.

The “Artificial Intelligence Initiative in Arab Media” was announced during Dubai AI Week, which is running from April 21 to 25.

The idea came out of a series of discussions and workshops held by the Academy over the past year, where experts pointed out a big problem: Most current AI tools don’t work well with Arabic, especially when it comes to different dialects and cultural meanings.

To fix this, Dubai Media Academy will be working with media companies, tech developers, universities, and researchers to build better tools. These will help in areas like:

• Representing different Arabic dialects more accurately
• Making sure visual content is authentic
• Improving the quality and availability of Arabic-language data used for AI training

Muna Busamra, Director of Dubai Media Academy, said the initiative is a direct response to what people in the media industry have been asking for.

“We saw a clear need for AI tools that truly understand Arabic and reflect the diversity of Arab societies,” she said. 

“This project supports Arab media in keeping our identity alive, while helping us stand out globally.”

During Dubai AI Week, the academy will host special workshops and talks, and more partnerships and projects will be announced later this year.

(Source: Wam)