Latest news with #AlNasser
Leaders
03-07-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Saudi Researcher at MIT Develops Cutting-Edge System for Dust Storm Monitoring
A Saudi doctoral candidate in civil and environmental engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is pioneering advanced tools to monitor and analyze dust storms using artificial intelligence (AI) and satellite data. Focusing on vast regions across Saudi Arabia and the Sahara Desert, the research integrates scientific innovation with the goals of environmental sustainability. Faisal AlNasser, a scholarship recipient from King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), was awarded the 2024 MIT Open Data Prize for his efforts in providing remote sensing data to areas lacking conventional weather monitoring systems—significantly enhancing climate surveillance in desert regions. As part of this project, AlNasser has published three peer-reviewed papers exploring how nature reserves can help mitigate dust storms. Additionally, his findings offer valuable insights for developing early-warning systems that protect lives and reduce economic damage caused by these environmental hazards. This work highlights Saudi Arabia's growing leadership in applying AI to environmental challenges and its commitment to supporting impactful, real-world research. It also reinforces global collaboration on climate issues, particularly those related to dust storms that affect millions each year. Finally, AlNasser's achievements represent a model of success for Saudi Arabia's qualitative scholarship program. It empowers young researchers to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions in alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for scientific excellence and environmental resilience. Related Topics: UN Summit to Revive Two-State Solution for Mideast Peace Set for June Hani Najm Wins First Edition of Great Arab Minds in Medicine Saudi Arabia Discusses Boosting Imports of Indian Medicines & Foods Saudi Arabia to manufacture vital medicines and vaccines Short link : Post Views: 8
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Business Standard
29-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Dubai taps Indian talent as it races to be global AI capital by 2031
Dubai is positioning itself as a global hub for artificial intelligence—and it is looking to Indian entrepreneurs, startups and talent to help drive the transformation. Speaking on the city's broader digital agenda, Younus Al Nasser, chief executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, outlined the Emirate's push to become the global capital for AI development and implementation by 2031. 'India is clearly becoming a leader in technology development across several sectors, including AI applications, clean mobility, semiconductors, space and satellite technologies, e-commerce and fintech,' he told Business Standard, adding that Dubai has adopted an 'open-door policy of embracing innovation from across the globe.' The initiative gained momentum in June 2023, when Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence. The centre's mandate includes training 1,000 government employees from more than 30 entities on generative AI, supporting over 20 technology startups, and driving government service efficiency. This was followed by the launch of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence—a recurring annual plan designed to align AI adoption with the city's economic goals. A key benchmark: contributing AED 100 billion annually to Dubai's economy through the digital economy and lifting productivity by 50 per cent through digital innovation. As of June 2024, 22 chief AI officers had been appointed across government bodies, and dedicated incubators such as the Dubai AI Campus at the DIFC Innovation Hub had been launched to foster Web3 and AI startups. Indian businesses are responding to the opportunity. 'In 2024, over 73,000 new Indian companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce,' Al Nasser noted. He attributed this surge to proactive reforms. 'We are building the latest infrastructure and regularly updating our technology regulations to ensure any new companies wanting to expand to Dubai have their base already set up and face no regulatory hurdles or bureaucracy.' The long-standing cultural and economic ties between India and the UAE also help smooth the path. 'Today Indians make over 40 per cent of the UAE's population, therefore you can find an essence of Indian culture in almost every vicinity of Dubai and the UAE,' Al Nasser said. As Dubai accelerates towards its AI ambitions, Indian innovators are becoming a pivotal part of the city's digital growth story. Dubai's push to become a fully digital city stems from a long-running commitment to technological transformation beginning in 2000 with Dubai e-Government. It built a city-wide ERP system now serving 75,000 government employees. By December 2021, Dubai achieved fully paperless government operations, with every government-to-individual transaction conducted digitally. The city's digital strategy evolved in 2021 with the creation of Digital Dubai, shifting focus to citywide transformation across seven pillars, including the digital economy and cybersecurity. Regarding data ethics, cybersecurity and AI regulation, Al Nasser said Dubai is pairing its aggressive AI adoption strategy with a strong emphasis on responsible governance, aiming to set a global standard for ethical and secure technology deployment. 'Striking the right balance between AI innovation and safeguarding public trust is central to our strategy,' Al Nasser said. A cornerstone of that strategy is the use of innovation sandboxes—controlled environments where new AI technologies can be tested under regulatory supervision. Through these sandboxes, one can adapt policies based on real-world testing. This is giving innovators clarity on the regulatory landscape while ensuring that public interests are protected. Dubai's ethical framework also includes the 2019 Ethical AI Guidelines and AI Toolkit, alongside the AI Policy for Government Entities. The policy mandates transparency, explainability, human oversight and inclusive design, and requires internal AI ethics review committees. As cities around the world compete to become smarter and more sustainable, Dubai is advancing a data-driven and human-centric model of urban living. This is powered by emerging technologies and global partnerships. Dubai's data infrastructure began with the 2016 Dubai Data Law and Open Data Committee, leading to UAE PASS—the national digital identity platform launched in 2018. Now used by over nine million individuals across 15,000 service providers, it has processed more than 600 million transactions. Today, over 1,200 anonymised data sets from 24 sectors are publicly available, supporting innovation and service delivery. The Dubai Dashboard, built on real-time and predictive analytics, tracks and forecasts across 14 economic indicators—from tourism to traffic. 'Dubai's vision is not solely about technology adoption, but human-centric technology implementation,' Al Nasser added, emphasising the city's openness to international collaboration in building a sustainable, inclusive digital future.
Sharjah 24
21-05-2025
- Science
- Sharjah 24
Gulf Robot Olympiad concludes with creative participation
Empowering youth in innovation Aisha Al Nasser, National Coordinator of the Olympiad, stated that the event was held under the theme "Industry and Innovation for Sustainable Community Development," aiming to empower students with robotic challenges, develop their skills in artificial intelligence, train them in project design practices, and foster social responsibility and initiative. Fostering creative thinking Al Nasser highlighted that the Olympiad encouraged students to think creatively and solve community issues using AI, robotics, and scientific research. Appreciation for organisers She expressed her gratitude to the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States for their efforts in making the Olympiad a successful and impactful experience for young innovators.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Cristiano Ronaldo's lookalike son, 14, is called up to play for Portugal - and could face England - on road to dad's dream of playing in the same team
Cristiano Ronaldo 's eldest son has been picked for the first time for Portugal's U15 squad and could play against England later this month. The 14-year-old has been asked to represent his country at the seventh edition of the Vlatko Markovic international tournament in Croatia between May 13th and 18th. Cristiano Ronaldo Jr has followed his famous father around the world and currently captains the Al Nasser youth team after spells at Juventus and Manchester United youth ranks. The young striker affectionally known as Cristianinho, is one of 22 teenagers who have been listed for the squad by manager Joao Santos. The team's four matches will include one against England on May 16. Japan and Greece will also be among their opponents in the tournament, named after Croatian football manager and player Vlatko Markovic who served as the president of the country's football federation from 1998 to 2012. Despite turning 40 in February, Cristiano has admitted in the past he would like to play on the same pitch as his son, and news of his son's inclusion in the Portuguese U15 squad brings his dream a step closer. The veteran player said recently: 'I would like it, I would like it. It's not something that keeps me awake at night but we'll see.' He added: ' It's more in his hands than mine. The years are starting to go by and one day I'll have to let it go. There will come a time when it is no longer possible. Not only physically but also psychologically.' Speaking about his son's footballing future to Portuguese newspaper Record he added: 'He will follow his path, his career. I will be a proud father, I will be proud of what he wants to do. 'If he plays, 'top'. If he doesn't play, we tried. At least his father tried. But it won't be a problem either, in my opinion.'
The National
29-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
ICJ hears Israel has turned Gaza into 'pile of rubble'
A senior Saudi official on Tuesday told the UN's top court that Israel had turned Gaza into a 'pile of rubble' as hearings on Israel's legal obligations to enable aid into the occupied territories entered its second day. Mohammed Saud Al Nasser, director general of the Legal Department at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the importance of the court's advisory opinion in this matter in obligating Israel in allowing aid into the territory. 'It's worth noting that Israel controls all international aid flows, which are vital to the 2.3 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who are suffering from an unprecedented humanitarian crisis,' Mr Al Nasser said. Israel continues to ignore calls to allow aid into Gaza and has attacked sites and warehouses belonging to the Un agency for Palestinian refugees, and looting their contents, Mr Al Nasser added. The UN has refuted Israeli claims regarding its politicisation and allegations it is infiltrated by Hamas. Mr Al Nasser's statement came as the International Court of Justice opened a week of hearings on Monday on Israel's humanitarian obligations toward the Palestinians, more than 50 days after it imposed a comprehensive blockade on aid entering the war-torn Gaza Strip. Its military offensive has killed 52,365 people in Gaza since the start of the 18-month war. Dozens of countries and organisations are scheduled to address the 15-judge panel in a marathon set of hearings. Palestinian official Ammar Hijazi on Monday accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. Speaking in Jerusalem, Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the hearings, saying they were part of a 'systematic persecution and delegitimisation' of his country. Israel denies deliberately attacking civilians and aid staff and is not participating in the hearings, but its ally, the US, will take part on Wednesday. The UN in December asked the ICJ to rule 'with the utmost urgency' on the case, but it will probably take several months to reach its opinion.
