Business

Google finally reveals chat AI plans with Search

Published

2 years ago

April 8, 2023

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

Business

UAE bank penalised over anti-money laundering lapses

Published

1 day ago

April 21, 2025

Michael Gomes

The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) has hit a bank operating in the country with a financial penalty. This comes under the rules set out in the Federal Decree Law No. (20) of 2018 on Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Illegal Organisations.

The fine was imposed after a review by the CBUAE found that the bank wasn’t following the required Anti-money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism policies and procedures.

The CBUAE takes its role in overseeing the financial sector seriously, ensuring that all banks and their staff stick to UAE laws and regulations. This is to maintain the integrity and transparency of the UAE’s banking system.

(Source: Wam)

Announcements

Pro Panja League is set for international debut as it goes global with UAE Cup 2025

Published

6 days ago

April 16, 2025

Staff Reporter

Pro Panja League, India’s premier professional Arm Wrestling tournament, is set to mark a significant moment in the league’s journey, making its international debut on April 19th at the India Club, who are also the venue partner for the tournament in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The ‘Pro Panja UAE Cup’ is the first-ever occasion when the league is organizing an international event. The event will bring together some of India’s best arm wrestlers alongside the best arm wrestlers from around the world.

The event is sanctioned by the Dubai Sports Council and will technically be overlooked by the Emirates Body Building and Fitness Federation. Actor and Co-Founder of the Pro Panja League, Mr. Parvinn Dabass and Bollywood Star and President of the People’s ArmWrestling Federation India , Mrs. Preeti Jhangiani will be making a special appearance at the event, alongside Mr. Raz Khan, who is the representative for Pro Panja League in the UAE.

A total of five matches will be played at the event, with the huge India-Pakistan headline clash being between India’s Mazahir Saidu (110 kg), who is India’s Number 1 and also the captain of Kochi KD’s in the Pro Panja League, and Pakistan’s Omer Jamshaid (105 kg).

In the 90 kg category, Arjun Menon from India will take on Talal Ali from Bahrain, while another Indian, Umesh Kattuparambil (80 kg) will compete against Ameer Alturkumani (85 kg) from UAE. In the other three matches at the landmark event, Prasad Kanhangad (75 kg) of India will be pitted against UAE’s Rambo (80 kg), while India’s Asker Ali (85 kg) will fight it out against Ali (90 kg).

Speaking about the international debut, Parvinn Dabass, Co-founder of Pro Panja League, said, “The Pro Panja UAE Cup is a natural progression in our vision to make arm wrestling a mainstream, globally recognized sport. The UAE has emerged as a hub for combat sports and we are thrilled to bring the energy and excitement of Pro Panja to such an enthusiastic audience and I thank our UAE partners especially India Club and Mr Faisal Alzaabi for their support .”

Sharing her enthusiasm for the same, Bollywood Star, Preeti Jhanghiani added, “Having seen the Pro Panja League up close, I have to say it’s a superb mix of sports and entertainment and Bollywood masala, everyone who watches falls in love with Pro Panja and now I’m honoured to be meeting my UAE fans through this platform .”

Business

Dubai Airport retains title as world’s busiest for international travel

Published

1 week ago

April 15, 2025

Michael Gomes

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has once again soared to global prominence, maintaining its crown as the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic in 2024, according to newly released data from Airports Council International (ACI) World.

The airport’s unwavering lead underscores Dubai’s pivotal role in connecting the globe, a feat achieved amid a steady recovery in global aviation.

A Surging Comeback for Air Travel

Preliminary figures from ACI World reveal that nearly 9.5 billion passengers traveled through airports worldwide in 2024 — a robust 9 per cent increase over 2023, and a 3.8 per cent rise compared to 2019, just before the pandemic upended travel norms.

Among the top 10 busiest airports, Dubai ranked second overall, following Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, but held firm as the world leader for international traffic. Dallas Fort Worth International rounded out the top three.

Collectively, these 10 aviation hubs processed around 855 million passengers, representing nearly 9 per cent of global traffic — a clear indication of recovery and growing global mobility.

Why Dubai Continues to Lead

DXB’s success isn’t just about numbers, it reflects the city’s enduring position as a global crossroads for travelers, airlines, and cargo alike. With top-tier facilities, world-class connectivity, and its role as a hub for Emirates Airline, Dubai has cemented itself as the go-to gateway for Europe, Asia, and Africa.

In terms of air cargo, global volumes jumped 8.4 per cent year-over-year, reaching over 124 million metric tonnes, further highlighting aviation’s resurgence.

A Testament to Resilience

“Amid global challenges, the resilience of the world’s busiest airports shines,” said ACI World Director-General Justin Erbacci. “These hubs are vital arteries of trade, commerce, and connectivity.”

He added, “As air travel grows, ACI World stands ready to support its members, ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods that drive global economic, social, and cultural progress.”

(Source: Wam)