Business

Google finally reveals chat AI plans with Search

Published

3 years ago

April 8, 2023

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Google chief executive officer Sundar Pichai has addressed some of the persistent queries from the world on integration with conversational artificial intelligence (AI) features into the most used search engine, especially after Microsoft stole a march over using chatGPT with its Bing offering.

When asked why the company did not release a chatbot earlier, Pichai said Google was still trying to find the right market. Nevertheless, Pichai’s proposal to integrate conversational AI into Google’s search engine could revolutionise the way we interact with the internet.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Pichai stated that AI advancements will enhance Google’s ability to answer a variety of search queries. “Will people be able to ask questions to Google and engage with LLMs (large language models) in the context of search? Absolutely,” Pichai said.

Pichai also dismissed reports that chatbots posed a threat to Google’s search business, which accounts for more than half of the company’s revenue. He proposed tapping Google’s lead in developing computer programs called LLMs in the search function. LLMs can process and respond to natural-language prompts with human-like prose, allowing users to ask follow-up questions to their original queries.

Google is testing several new search products and has begun testing new AI features within Gmail and other work-related products. Pichai revealed that Google Brain and DeepMind would work together more closely to build large algorithms to improve Bard. Like Microsoft, Google aims to use its investment in AI models to win wider business.

Pichai is dealing with one of the biggest threats to Google’s core business in years as he also faces pressure to cut costs. In January, Alphabet disclosed it would slash 12,000 jobs or 6% of staff. Microsoft expects to generate $2 billion in revenue for every percentage point it gains in the search market, of which Google has a more than 90% share.

With Google and Microsoft competing in the race to develop the best AI-powered search engine, the future of search technology looks exciting.

Google’s shares traded higher by 2.37% at $107.44 on Thursday.

Staff Reporter

Announcements

Small businesses in the UAE now have tax relief until 2029

Published

13 hours ago

August 7, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Small businesses in the UAE with annual revenues of up to Dh3 million will continue to be eligible for Small Business Relief under the corporate tax regime until the end of 2029.

The Ministry of Finance said on Friday that Ministerial Decision No. 131 extends the period during which eligible businesses can benefit from Small Business Relief to cover tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

The relief was introduced to help reduce the corporate tax compliance burden for smaller businesses and start-ups that meet the eligibility requirements.

Dh3 million threshold remains unchanged

The existing annual revenue threshold of Dh3 million, set under Ministerial Decision No. 73 of 2023, will continue to apply.

The relief applies to tax periods beginning on or after June 1, 2023 and, following the latest amendment, will remain available for subsequent tax periods ending on or before December 31, 2029.

Eligible taxable persons with annual revenue of up to Dh3 million can claim Small Business Relief, subject to meeting the conditions and requirements outlined in the corporate tax legislation.

The relief enables qualifying businesses to benefit from simplified corporate tax compliance requirements.

More time for small businesses

The extension provides eligible small businesses and start-ups with additional tax periods to benefit from the relief while continuing to meet the Dh3 million revenue threshold.

The Ministry said the decision is part of its efforts to support smaller companies and entrepreneurs, strengthen the business environment, and encourage sustainable growth and expansion.

Business

No cash? No card? No problem: Now shop at Dubai Duty Free with crypto

Published

3 days ago

August 5, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Dubai Duty Free has become the first airport retailer in the Middle East to introduce Crypto.com Pay, allowing eligible UAE residents to pay for purchases using their Crypto.com accounts.

The new payment option is now available at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC/AMIA) and online at Dubai Duty Free’s website.

The rollout follows a strategic partnership signed between Dubai Duty Free and Crypto.com in July 2025 and supports Dubai’s wider push towards a cashless economy under the D33 Economic Agenda.

How it works

For in-store purchases, shoppers simply select Crypto.com Pay at checkout, scan the QR code displayed at the counter using the Crypto.com app and approve the payment. The transaction is processed instantly, with Dubai Duty Free receiving settlement in UAE dirhams.

Online shoppers can also choose Crypto.com Pay during checkout, scan the QR code generated on the payment page and confirm the transaction through the Crypto.com app. Mobile users are redirected directly to the app before returning to complete their purchase.

Available for eligible UAE residents

The service is currently available to eligible UAE residents with a Crypto.com account. Payments are processed through Crypto.com’s regulated payment platform, with transactions settled in dirhams.

Dubai Duty Free said the launch expands its range of digital payment options, which already includes Apple Pay, Alipay and TerraPay, while offering customers another convenient way to pay.

The move also strengthens Dubai’s ambition to become a global leader in digital commerce, with the emirate targeting 90 per cent of financial transactions to be cashless by the end of 2026.

Announcements

August fuel rates announced: UAE petrol prices go up

Published

1 week ago

July 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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UAE motorists will pay more at the pump from Saturday after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel prices for August 2026.

The revised rates, which take effect from August 1, are:

Super 98: Dh3.60 per litre (up from Dh3.40)
Special 95: Dh3.49 per litre (up from Dh3.29)
E-Plus 91: Dh3.41 per litre (up from Dh3.21)
Diesel: Dh3.80 per litre (up from Dh3.60)

The increase reverses July’s price reduction and comes after volatility in global oil markets during the past month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel prices at the end of each month, with rates determined in line with movements in international oil markets.

The new prices will remain in effect throughout August 2026.