Connect with us

News

New AI tools to improve understanding of Arabic content

Published

on

Spread the love

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)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Dubai travel: Emirates minimises disruptions, reassures travellers ahead of summer holidays

Published

on

Spread the love

Despite heightened regional tensions on June 23, Emirates Airline resumed regular operations within hours, with only minimal disruptions reported across its global network.

The Dubai-based carrier activated its contingency and disruption plans following the latest regional developments, swiftly stabilising operations without any flight diversions and only a few route cancellations. Most affected flights were rerouted slightly to avoid restricted airspace, resulting in limited delays due to congestion.

In a statement, Emirates confirmed that its scheduled services resumed quickly and that the airline had maintained operations to the majority of destinations. Flights to Amman and Beirut, which were briefly suspended, resumed shortly after, demonstrating Emirates’ agility in responding to dynamic situations while ensuring traveller safety.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our top priority,” the airline said, noting it would never operate any flight unless it meets the strictest safety regulations. Emirates continues to coordinate closely with global aviation authorities and regularly evaluates the security landscape to reroute aircraft if needed.

Keeping Passengers Informed

The airline kept its customers up to date throughout the disruptions via its website, social media channels, and through dedicated reservation teams, who assisted travellers in adjusting itineraries as needed.

Looking Ahead to Summer Travel

As Emirates prepares for a surge in summer travel, the airline said it remains ready to adapt to any changing conditions. “With the UAE’s strong infrastructure and support systems, we are fully prepared to continue safe and smooth operations,” the airline added.

Travellers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and stay informed through official Emirates communication channels.

Continue Reading

Announcements

Latest UAE travel update: What travellers, especially to India, need to know amid flight disruptions 

Published

on

Spread the love

Several UAE-based airlines have issued disruptions in their service and route changes as a precautionary response following heightened regional tensions after Iran attacks Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar

UAE residents planning to travel this week are advised to double-check their flight status before heading to the airport, as ongoing regional tensions have led to disruptions across several major carriers.

Following Iran’s attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, airlines including Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have rerouted or cancelled select flights to ensure passenger safety amid restricted airspace and rising geopolitical risk.

What UAE Airlines Are Saying

Etihad Airways

  • Cancelled flights on Tuesday (June 24) to/from Kuwait, Doha, and Dammam:
    • EY651/652 (Abu Dhabi – Kuwait)
    • EY663/664 (Abu Dhabi – Doha)
    • EY575/576 (Abu Dhabi – Dammam)
  • Flights to Israel remain suspended until July 15.
  • The airline confirmed it is using only approved airspace and warned that the situation is highly dynamic.
  • Passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled destinations will not be accepted for travel.

Emirates Airline

  • Has rerouted flights away from conflict zones.
  • Temporary suspension of all flights to Iran and Iraq (Tehran, Baghdad, Basra) until June 30.
  • Warns of potential delays due to longer routes and airspace congestion.

flydubai

  • Flights on June 24 resumed, but delays remain possible.
  • Temporary suspension of services to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and St. Petersburg (Russia) until June 30.
  • Passengers heading to these destinations via Dubai will not be accepted from their point of origin.

Air Arabia

  • Advises passengers of possible disruptions due to airspace closures.
  • Suspended services to Jordan (until June 25) and Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan (until June 30).

Dubai/Abu Dhabi Airport Updates

  • Dubai Airports said operations across DXB and DWC have resumed, but some delays or cancellations may still occur. 
  • Travellers heading to India are especially advised to confirm flight status in advance. “Due to regional airspace closures, flights from DXB and DWC – Al Maktoum International may be impacted. Please check with your airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport, especially for guests travelling to India,” Dubai Airports wrote on X.
  • Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi echoed similar advice: check with your airline before traveling.

Impact on International Flights

  • flydubai, Etihad, Emirates, and Air Arabia have adjusted or halted flights across the region.
  • IndiGo Airlines suspended flights to several Gulf cities including Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, and Abu Dhabi until at least 10am Tuesday.
  • Pakistan International Airlines has halted services to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai.
  • EgyptAir also cancelled Gulf-bound flights from Cairo.
  • Air Canada extended its Toronto–Dubai flight suspension until August 4.

Additional Restrictions

  • Pakistan has extended its airspace ban for Indian-operated aircraft, including military flights—until July 23, 2025.

Travel Tips for UAE Passengers

  • Check flight status online or via airline apps before leaving home.
  • Expect delays even if your flight is not cancelled—reroutings may extend travel time.
  • If you are transiting through the UAE to a suspended destination, contact your airline immediately to explore alternative arrangements.

Continue Reading

Crime

UAE residents urged to stay alert and report suspicious activity, says Al Ameen

Published

on

Spread the love


As tensions rise in parts of the Middle East and the Arabian Gulf, the UAE’s Al Ameen Service is calling on the public to stay alert and take an active role in keeping communities safe.

In a message shared on Instagram, Al Ameen reminded residents that everyone has a role to play in protecting the safety and security of the UAE. The service urged people to watch out for any suspicious behaviour or unusual activity in their surroundings, and to report it immediately.

“Due to the unstable security and political situation in the region, Al Ameen Service urges the public to remain alert and attentive,” the post read. “Observe and report any suspicious behaviour or observations to the security authorities and Al Ameen Service, so that the necessary measures can be taken.”

Residents can report concerns through Al Ameen’s official channels or by calling their 24/7 hotline at 800 4444. All reports are kept confidential.

This call for public awareness isn’t just about emergencies; it’s a reminder that in the UAE, community safety is a shared responsibility. Whether you’re commuting, at the mall, or online, speaking up when something feels off can make all the difference.

Launched by Dubai Police, Al Ameen Service provides a safe and easy way for people to report anything that could affect public safety, from security concerns to cyber threats.

So, if you see something unusual, say something. One quick report could help keep your neighbourhood safe.

Need to report something?
Call 800 4444
Visit Al Ameen Service
Or message via their official app or social media channels.

Continue Reading

Popular

Exit mobile version
https://headline.ae/