Technology

Talabat records 60% increase in its orders

Published

3 years ago

March 4, 2022

Spread the love

talabat, the UAE’s leading local tech organisation, has recorded over 60 per cent increase in its orders in 2021. The growth was registered in orders across its portfolio, which includes food, groceries and other non-food verticals. It’s customer base went up by over 30 per cent, with over two million new app downloads registered in 2021.

talabat today provides over 17,000 restaurant partners on its platform with a tech solution to enhance their online reach, in addition to data and tools to scale their business while giving them access to the company’s wide logistics network and industry expertise.

talabat was the first online food delivery platform to expand its operations to Zayed City, Al Dhafra region in Abu Dhabi in the first half of 2021.

In 2021, there was a growth of over 100 per cent in talabat’s non-food orders. talabat Mart (tMart), talabat’s own q-commerce and dark store concept grew more than 70 per cent in orders, and spread its presence across all seven emirates. More than 25 stores were strategically placed to meet the growing demand.

Tatiana Rahal, managing director, talabat UAE, said: “We are delighted to report strong year on year performance as we grow and expand our business. As a tech company, data plays a crucial role in our growth, steering our efforts to improve our services and fill market gaps to provide value, convenience and ease for our stakeholders across our operations, and on every level. Supporting SMEs has also been a big focus for us, and we have done this through strategic partnerships with the departments of economic development in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain. This is an area we are continuously looking to enhance as part of our efforts to empower business owners in the Emirates.”

“2021 was an important year for the company, and with growth comes an increased sense of responsibility to give back to the communities we operate in, as well as our growing fleet of riders who continue to be at the heart of everything we do. It gives me so much pleasure to see how we utilise our platform for good, allowing consumers to share their appreciation to riders by tipping them, and to communities in need in the UAE and across the world through their generous donations.”

“Looking ahead to 2022, we see a positive outlook for the UAE market as the country spearheads projects in different sectors with the support of its visionary leadership.”

Tech

UAE warns against using free public Wi-Fi after 12,000 cyber breaches

Published

2 days ago

August 25, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The UAE Cyber Security Council (CSC) has issued a warning about the dangers of using free public Wi-Fi, revealing that more than 12,000 cyber breaches have been recorded so far this year through unsecured networks.

The risk
These incidents made up nearly 35 per cent of all cyberattacks reported in the UAE. Hackers are using open networks to steal passwords, banking details, and other personal information.

Expert warning
Dr. Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cyber Security for the UAE Government, said that while public Wi-Fi may seem convenient, “it is often not sufficiently secured, making it an open arena for fraud and electronic hacking activities.”

Stay safe on public Wi-Fi
The Council urged residents to take simple precautions:

Use a reliable VPN to encrypt your connection
Activate the Safe Browsing feature to block suspicious sites
Avoid logging into sensitive accounts (like banking or personal email) on open Wi-Fi

The CSC stressed that adopting these measures can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks and protect users’ data from being exposed.

News

Dubai launches first AI-powered ‘Emirati family’ to connect with the public digitally

Published

4 weeks ago

August 1, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

In a groundbreaking move blending technology with tradition, Digital Dubai has unveiled the first-ever AI-powered ‘Emirati Family’, a virtual initiative designed to deliver government messages in a relatable and human-centred way.

The project kicked off with the debut of the family’s first member, a friendly animated girl introduced via social media. Dressed in traditional Emirati attire with a modern touch, she’s designed to appeal to children and families, using warmth and personality to spark conversations around AI, digital services, and the future of technology.

What’s more, the public has been invited to name her, with three options up for vote: Dubai, Mira, or Latifa.

This virtual family is part of a broader vision by Digital Dubai to make government communication more accessible, especially as the city pushes forward with its smart city ambitions. Additional family members, including a digital father, mother, and brother, will be rolled out soon, creating a full AI-generated household that mirrors the values, aspirations, and cultural fabric of the UAE.

Humanising Digital Services with AI

Behind the scenes, advanced AI and data technologies power these characters, enabling them to share information and updates about Dubai’s digital services in an engaging, friendly way. Think: bite-sized, educational content that feels more like a conversation than a broadcast.

“The goal is to promote digital life in a way that resonates across ages, cultures, and languages, without losing sight of Emirati identity,” said Digital Dubai in a statement.

This AI-driven storytelling approach supports Dubai’s commitment to using cutting-edge technology to improve quality of life and community engagement, while also reinforcing its role as a global digital leader.

With a focus on interaction, inclusivity, and innovation, the virtual Emirati Family is set to become a familiar digital presence, bringing smart services closer to people, one friendly face at a time.

News

UAE tightens social media advertising rules with new Mu’lin permit

Published

4 weeks ago

July 30, 2025

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

The UAE Media Council has launched Mu’lin, a new permit now required for individuals conducting advertising activities on social media platforms, whether for financial gain or otherwise.

The move is part of a broader strategy to modernise media regulations, enhance content quality, and establish the UAE as a leading hub for digital content creation and advertising.

According to the council, the Mu’lin permit aims to create a more transparent and professional digital media environment by defining clear guidelines for advertising practices, while protecting the rights of audiences, advertisers, and content creators alike.

“Mu’lin is a pivotal step in strengthening the regulatory framework for online advertising,” said Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Secretary-General of the UAE Media Council. “It reinforces our vision of building a responsible and dynamic media model aligned with digital transformation and international best practices.”

Regulating the creator economy

The new permit is intended to empower content creators, boost investor confidence, and attract global talent by providing a flexible yet clear regulatory framework. It also supports the UAE’s broader ambitions to build a sustainable, innovation-driven media economy.

Al Shehhi highlighted that the initiative will contribute to increasing trust in digital content, particularly in advertising, which is a fast-growing segment of the UAE’s creative economy.

Supporting quality and compliance

Maitha Majid Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Strategy and Media Policy Sector at the UAE Media Council, noted that the Mu’lin permit is also designed to improve the overall quality of advertisements on social platforms, enabling responsible content creation while setting standards for professionalism.

The announcement follows the council’s issuance of over 2,500 media licences in the first half of 2025, reflecting the strong growth of the media and content creation sector in the UAE.