Companies

Microsoft takes on Facebook by dispatching metaverse in Teams

Published

5 years ago

November 4, 2021

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Clients will actually want to show up as animated cartoons in gatherings and visit virtual work areas.

Microsoft has ventured out towards bringing the metaverse to office life, in the most recent sign that probably the greatest tech organizations see the mixing of the advanced and actual universes as one of the main recent fads in registering. The US programming goliath said that in the primary portion of the following year, clients of its Teams coordinated effort programming would have the option to show up as symbols — or vivified kid’s shows — in video gatherings. Telecommuters can likewise utilize their symbols to visit virtual work areas, which would ultimately incorporate copies of their managers’ workplaces. Microsoft’s first moves to mix the virtual and actual universes are unobtrusive contrasted with the sweeping vision that Facebook spread out last week when it changed its corporate name to Meta to mirror its new spotlight on the metaverse. In any case, Microsoft’s arrangement depends on hidden innovation, known as Mesh, that it disclosed recently to deal with undeniably more perplexing virtual cooperations on various sorts of equipment, from PCs to computer generated reality headsets. Additionally, Microsoft leaders said they considered the reception of individual symbols to be the initial phase in a movement that would see laborers become progressively OK with new types of virtual cooperation that may appear to be strange to them now. “With 250m individuals all throughout the planet utilizing Teams, the presentation of symbols will be the main genuine metaverse component to appear to be genuine,” said Jared Spataro, the head of Teams.

Groups has turned into the product through which numerous specialists speak with partners and access Microsoft’s more extensive arrangement of efficiency devices. The organization said it would coordinate its other efficiency programming into its new virtual encounters — permitting laborers to do things like view PowerPoint introductions in the metaverse. Spataro said a large part of the inspiration for the presentation of new kinds of computerized cooperation came from the difficulties organizations are looking with cross breed working, as certain representatives return to the workplace after the pandemic while others decide to work from a distance. Microsoft said that its examination showed that utilizing individual symbols passed on a feeling of “presence” that made gatherings seriously captivating, while at the same time liberating laborers from having to continually show up before a camera. Laborers who had been in a gathering where another person showed up as a symbol were additionally more open to utilizing the actual innovation, the organization said. Showing up as a symbol “appears to be straightforward, it seems like only one stage, however that is the sort of step I think individuals are prepared to make”, Spataro said. “Possibly it’s even sort of happy to start with.” The organization said it would utilize AI to cause a symbol’s lips to seem to mouth the words being expressed, and to add looks and hand signals. The gradualist way to deal with acquainting laborers with the metaverse appears differently in relation to the previous Facebook’s more progressive vision for the eventual fate of office gatherings. The web-based media organization as of late showed a full augmented simulation office experience, with individuals wearing VR goggles to sit in a virtual room close by symbols of different laborers. Differentiating Microsoft’s utilization of symbols to bouncing directly to full augmented experience gatherings, Spataro said: “It’s not as out of sight like, how about we meet in a 3D space where we don’t have a clue what to do.”

Announcements

UAE Student Robotics Team Wins Global Silver, Building on Gold and Silver Successes at ‘Robotics Olympics’

Published

2 days ago

November 1, 2026

Staff Reporter

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The UAE’s young robotics champions secured silver in the Winning Alliance finals at the FIRST Global Challenge (FGC) 2026 in Incheon, South Korea, emerging among the top performers against student teams representing 187 countries and further strengthening the nation’s reputation for excellence in robotics and technological innovation.

Popularly known as the ‘Robotics Olympics’, the competition brings together young innovators worldwide to tackle global challenges through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The event is supported by industry giants including Lam Research, LG Electronics, FedEx and Stellantis Philanthropy, with MIT, Yale University and the UN’s International Telecommunication Union among its collaborators.

Bansan Thomas George, National Organiser of FIRST Global Challenge UAE and Founder and CEO of Unique World Robotics, said, “These medals reflect years of dedication and learning. Seeing our students develop into confident innovators and problem-solvers is our greatest achievement.”

The latest achievement builds on Team UAE’s impressive international record. In 2024, the team secured silver in the FIRST Global Grand Challenge Award and bronze in the International Enthusiasm Award in Athens, Greece. In 2025, it won gold in the New Technology Experience category in Panama City for its innovative STASH project, using sodium alginate hydrogels to preserve biological material without conventional refrigeration.

The 14-member UAE team comprised Shreya Binoy Nair, Hriday Pritam Garud, Arjun Sandesh Potkar, Aryav Karmakar, Maahi Gera and Liam Fernandes (GEMS Modern Academy); Ryan Rony Richard (GEMS Founders School Dubai); Fazil Tafseer (Dubai British School Jumeirah Park); Rayaan Kadernani and Asiru Asiru (Dubai College); Sandra Nair and Zaki Hashim Thottathikulam (DPS Dubai); Mohamed Aamir Nazaif (GEMS Cambridge International School, Abu Dhabi); and Yuvaan Amit Deshpande (Raffles World Academy).

Shreya Binoy Nair, Captain of Team UAE, said, “We overcame challenges together, learned from talented students worldwide and built friendships across borders. Winning silver for the UAE is a moment we will always cherish.”

The team was guided by coaches Ali Mohamed Sheikh Ali Abdurahman, Manoj Thannikal Joseph and Head Coach Mohammed Mukhtar Latif.

Mukhtar said, “The students pushed their boundaries in robot design, problem-solving and teamwork. Their resilience and commitment made this achievement possible.”

Unique World Robotics has nurtured young UAE robotics talent for years through training and mentorship. The achievement was celebrated in Dubai with students, coaches, mentors and parents.

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Dubai Investor Expands Global Footprint with London Investment Firm

Published

1 week ago

October 26, 2026

Staff Reporter

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A Dubai businessman has launched a London-based investment company to acquire stakes in private and listed businesses in the United Kingdom and international markets.
Hari Shankar Tibrewala, who founded Dubai-based Zenith Global Limited and Zenith Multi Trading DMCC, said the new company, Zenith Global Ventures Ltd, would invest exclusively its own capital.
Based in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, the company will focus on established private businesses, selected listed shares, technology and artificial intelligence, and strategic acquisitions. It will consider minority and controlling stakes, including investments where it can participate in governance and strategy.
“Zenith Global Ventures has been set up to be a patient, disciplined owner of quality businesses. Because we invest our own capital, we can take a long-term view, back strong management teams and focus on lasting value rather than short-term results,” said Tibrewala, its founder and director.
According to the company, it has no outside investors or fixed fund life, allowing it to hold investments without a predetermined exit timetable.
Zenith said it would assess potential investments on earnings, cash flow, balance-sheet strength and competitive position, alongside management quality and governance. Each opportunity would undergo due diligence and be subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
For listed shares, the company said it would seek businesses it considers undervalued. Its technology and AI investments would focus on companies it believes can sustain a competitive advantage.
The company cited London’s legal framework, capital markets and connections with Europe, the Gulf and Asia as reasons for choosing the city as its base.
Tibrewala established investment holding company Zenith Global Limited in Dubai in 2013, followed by Zenith Multi Trading DMCC in 2014. He moved to London in 2024.
Zenith Global Ventures said it does not manage third-party funds or offer investments to the public.

Announcements

MIRAL Joins 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 as official experience partner

Published

4 weeks ago

October 7, 2026

Sudhashree Dash

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Yas Island will become the official experiences partner of the Abu Dhabi T10 for its 2026 edition, under a new partnership between Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub (ADCSH) and Miral.

Under the agreement, all six Abu Dhabi T10 franchises will be based on Yas Island during the tournament, while a number of events linked to the competition will also be held across the destination.

The partnership will include the tournament’s Trophy Launch, Opening Party and Closing Party, with Yas Island’s attractions and venues forming part of the wider Abu Dhabi T10 experience for players, teams, partners and fans.

“We are thrilled to welcome Yas Island as the Official Experiences Partner of the 2026 Abu Dhabi T10,” said Matthew Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub and Abu Dhabi T10.

“The island is an unbelievable destination which will provide an exceptional setting for our teams, our players and for many of the tournament experiences.”

Leon Marsh, Miral’s director of events, said the partnership reflected a shared aim of creating experiences for “fans, teams and families alike”.

“Yas Island is the ideal setting for the key moments and flagship events taking place during this year’s Abu Dhabi T10,” he said.

The 2026 Abu Dhabi T10 Draft, held at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, saw 108 players selected by six franchises: Arabian Aces, Emirates Eagles, Royal Desert Champions, UAE Bulls, United Tigers and Yas Lions.

The tournament will take place at Zayed Cricket Stadium from 7 to 20 November, bringing together international players for the 10-over competition.

The partnership is also intended to promote Abu Dhabi as a destination combining international sport, leisure and entertainment, with Yas Island providing the base for the teams throughout the tournament.