logo
First AI-powered ‘Emirati Family' launched

First AI-powered ‘Emirati Family' launched

Gulf Today2 days ago
In a pioneering step to enhance the digital quality of life and reinforce Dubai's position as a global hub for digital transformation, Digital Dubai has launched the first-ever virtual 'Emirati Family' created using artificial intelligence (AI).
The initiative serves as an innovative platform for delivering government messages in a relatable, engaging, and accessible manner to all segments of society.
Designed as an interactive digital interface, the AI-powered family represents Emirati society and reflects its values and aspirations. It also supports Dubai's vision of a smarter, more sustainable future.
Digital Dubai introduced the project with the unveiling of the first member of the virtual family, 'The Girl,' who made her debut in a short video shared across social media platforms.
Dressed in traditional Emirati attire with a modern twist, the character is designed to be warm and approachable, especially for children and families, encouraging dialogue around technology, AI, and digital services. As part of efforts to encourage community participation, the character invited the public to help select her name from three options: 'Dubai,' 'Mira,' or 'Latifa.'
The project will soon introduce additional members of the virtual family, including the father, mother, and brother, forming a complete digital representation of an Emirati household.
Powered by AI and advanced data technologies, the family will deliver engaging and educational messages about Dubai's digital services in a light and relatable manner for all segments of society.
The initiative seeks to raise awareness of Dubai's advanced digital services by promoting the concept of digital life through an interactive, human-centred approach. It is designed to engage people of all ages, cultures, nationalities, and languages, through virtual characters inspired by Emirati identity and cultural values.
Aligned with Digital Dubai's vision, the initiative supports the development of modern, AI-powered communication tools that reflect Emirati values while engaging new generations in their preferred digital language and style.
Digital Dubai envisions these virtual characters as a relatable voice and an engaging bridge to raise awareness of digital services in an amusing, interactive, and meaningful way.
The initiative supports Digital Dubai's broader goals of building a future where digital innovation enhances quality of life, promotes human well-being, and reinforces Dubai's position as a global leader in all aspects of digital living - including innovative methods of community engagement.
WAM
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Al-Masrah Magazine: Global theatre insights and developments
Al-Masrah Magazine: Global theatre insights and developments

Sharjah 24

time5 hours ago

  • Sharjah 24

Al-Masrah Magazine: Global theatre insights and developments

new building for Theatrical Association The introduction to the issue starts a report on the graduation ceremony of the third batch of the Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA). It also includes statements from a number of Emirati artists expressing their deep gratitude and appreciation for the new grant bestowed by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, by allocating a six-story building in the Al Taawun area to the Theatrical Association. The same section includes a survey on the progress of the Kalba Short Plays Festival, marking its twelfth edition, which will be held next September. Reviews "Readings" section includes a number of reviews of theatrical performances recently held in Arab capitals. Mohamed Laaziz wrote about "Remains," the latest work by Moroccan director Mohamed Farkani; Al-Hussam Mohieddine reviewed "Media" by Lebanese director Chris Ghafri; Abdelkarim Kadri analysed "Al-Saqiya" by Algerian director Soumaya Bounab; Samer Mohamed Ismail wrote about "To Prepare a Boiled Egg" by Kuwaiti director Musab Al-Salem; and Kamal Al-Shihawi wrote about "Jacaranda" by Tunisian director Nizar Al-Saidi. Mahmoud Abu Doma In the "Dialogue" section, the magazine published an interview with Egyptian writer, researcher, and director Mahmoud Abu Doma, in which he spoke about his beginnings, the cultural and academic influences that shaped his personality, his efforts in experimenting with independent theatre in Alexandria, and the most prominent issues facing theatrical thought at the local and Arab levels. Interviews "Horizons" includes an interview with the young Tunisian artist Marwa Al-Mansouri, who has achieved a remarkable presence in the local scene as a theatrical costume designer, appearing in numerous successful theatrical productions, most notably the works of director Fadel Jaibi. The "Follow-ups" section covers a short interview with Tunisian critic Fawzia Al-Mizzi, in which she discusses the experience of establishing a theatre critics' association and the most prominent challenges and potentials of new theatre criticism experiments. The section also highlights Naguib Mahfouz's theatre and its intellectual orientations, marking the thirtieth anniversary of his death. Readings In "Readings," Alaa Al-Jabri analyses the book "Brecht in Gulf Theatre" by Iraqi writer Dhafer Jalloud. In "Visions," Walid Al-Daghsni writes "Short Plays from Concept to Realisation," and Hussam Al-Masoudi writes "Short Texts: The Future of Contemporary Drama." In "Travels," Sherif Al-Shafei recounts his journey to the French city, Lodève and the US Bridgewater. Letters includes reports on theatrical activities in Sharjah, Algiers, Rabat, and Stockholm.

UAE: 10-year-old Emirati girl builds AI academy for kids, aims to bridge gender gap
UAE: 10-year-old Emirati girl builds AI academy for kids, aims to bridge gender gap

Khaleej Times

time13 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

UAE: 10-year-old Emirati girl builds AI academy for kids, aims to bridge gender gap

A 10-year-old Emirati has launched an AI (artificial intelligence) academy designed entirely for children — a platform that could reshape how young learners approach technology education. AlDhabi AlMheiri 's AI Learning Academy targets children aged 7 to 13, aiming to boost global digital literacy. A study noted that while 44 per cent of children globally use AI tools, only 27 per cent understand how they work. Structured AI education is offered in less than 10 per cent of primary schools worldwide. AlDhabi, who is also a four-time Guinness World Record holder, created 20 video-based lessons covering AI fundamentals, ethics, and entrepreneurship. Each module includes printable worksheets and practical projects designed to turn abstract concepts into engaging learning experiences. 'I didn't want my lessons to sound too formal,' AlDhabi told Khaleej Times. 'So I used simple language, friendly cartoon characters, and examples that children actually relate to.' Peer-designed content Studies support her approach: Peer-designed content improves understanding and retention by up to 40%, especially for abstract subjects. Children are also three times more likely to ask questions when learning from materials created 'by kids for kids.' AlDhabi's platform directly addresses the 30 per cent gender gap in AI participation among middle school students in the MENA region, offering dedicated 'Girls in AI' workshops alongside modules on machine versus human intelligence and AI in daily life. Unusually for children's tech platforms, the academy also includes entrepreneurship content. Students are encouraged to think like builders and creators while learning core values such as privacy, fairness, and responsibility. 'I want kids to feel like creators, not just consumers,' she explained. 'They can build, they can lead, and they can start young.' The platform enforces strict child data protection, requires parental consent, and offers content in Arabic and English. It aligns with several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, gender equality, and reduced inequalities. AlDhabi's child-led model offers a grassroots solution that's both scalable and culturally grounded. Her publishing house, Rainbow Chimney, has already reached thousands of young readers, and the new academy could do the same for AI learning. 'Technology shouldn't belong only to adults,' she said. 'Children can understand it, shape it, and lead its future — if we just let them in.' The 10-year-old Emirati has an impressive set of relative credentials, including 163 hours of IBM-certified AI training, executive education at NYU Abu Dhabi, and a fellowship at Georgetown University's entrepreneurship programme. The free platform is now live at offering multilingual, child-safe access for families and schools worldwide.

Will Disney Abu Dhabi be indoors? Here's what we know
Will Disney Abu Dhabi be indoors? Here's what we know

Time Out Abu Dhabi

timea day ago

  • Time Out Abu Dhabi

Will Disney Abu Dhabi be indoors? Here's what we know

We've got three words for you: Disney. Abu. Dhabi. The happiest place on Earth is making its Middle East debut and while our inner child is spinning in teacups with joy, one (very valid) grown-up question remains: will the Disney theme park be outdoors or indoors? Because, let's face it – as much as we love Mickey-shaped ice creams and singing Let It Go under the sun, Abu Dhabi's summer doesn't mess around. With temps soaring past 50°C, even Olaf might reconsider his eternal love for summer. So… what's the plan? Will Disney Abu Dhabi be indoors or outdoors? It's (sort of) outdoors – but also indoors. Basically, it's magic. The answer, like any good Disney plot twist, isn't so straightforward. According to Disney Parks boss Josh D'Amaro, the new Yas Island mega-project will be a hybrid, combining the best of indoor comfort with outdoor charm. They're being very ambitious, architecture, tech and water are all coming into play – which sounds like there might be a splash of Moana inspiration involved. Here's the kicker: the park is being built right up against the water. Think cool breezes, waterfront vistas and, who knows – maybe even an indoor-outdoor castle that literally lets the sea into the storyline. Miral Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi added that, like other Yas Island hits (hi, Warner Bros. World), Disney will be indoors, but he also called it the most advanced park in the Disney portfolio. So expect something completely new – and 100 percent air-conditioned. So, when can we go? Not tomorrow, unfortunately. With a timeline of up to two years for design and another four to six for construction, we're looking at a 2030 to 2032 opening. But we've waited 100 years for Disney to come to the UAE – what's a few more? Until then, we'll keep dreaming of those castle selfies, futuristic rides and Emirati-inspired storylines (yes, those are happening too). One thing's for sure – whether indoors, outdoors, or somewhere in between – Disney Abu Dhabi will be cooler than cool. Literally. All about Disney Abu Dhabi 7 things we know about the new Disney theme park in Abu Dhabi It's going to be magical – and massive This is when Disney Abu Dhabi is likely to open A Disney official has shared a rough timeline Three key ways the new Disney theme park will change Abu Dhabi A whole new world indeed

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store