Latest from Arabian Business
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Deloitte and AWS unveil $1bn Middle East digital transformation alliance by 2030
Deloitte Middle East and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have announced a landmark expansion of their strategic alliance, aiming to deliver $1bn worth of digital services by 2030. The agreement is set to transform key sectors across the Middle East by advancing cloud adoption, AI integration, and digital resilience at scale. Unveiled during a leadership meeting at Deloitte's offices in Dubai, the collaboration will drive large-scale transformation through cloud-native technologies, secure infrastructure, and generative AI, while also expanding talent capabilities and technical infrastructure in the region. Deloitte Middle East and AWS partnership This initiative will focus on helping organisations across industries modernise operations, boost agility, and unlock innovation. Sectors to benefit include: Banking and financial services Energy and utilities Public sector and healthcare Key focus areas will include: Cloud strategy and architecture Application modernisation AI development and integration Cybersecurity and governance Deloitte will increase its network of AWS-certified professionals and establish dedicated Centres of Excellence across the Middle East to support complex digital transformation efforts. Rashid Bashir, Technology and Transformation Leader at Deloitte Middle East, said: 'This initiative is a major step forward in our mission to drive large-scale transformation for organizations across the region. 'By deepening our alliance with AWS, we are not only investing in advanced technologies but also in the talent and tools that local businesses need to thrive. 'Together, we will help clients accelerate innovation, build resilience, and unlock long-term value through cloud and AI adoption at scale – starting right here in the Middle East.' The expanded alliance builds on successful collaborations in Europe and Africa, where Deloitte and AWS have supported hundreds of organisations with full-spectrum digital transformation—from strategy to execution. Tanuja Randery, Managing Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa at AWS, said: 'This collaboration means Deloitte and AWS can bring their proven methodology for industry solutions to customers in the Middle East. 'Customers can look forward to significantly accelerating the pace of their bold transformation projects by having a partner which will stay with them from inception to value realisation'.
Arabian Business
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Arabian Business
Qatar launches self-driving robot taxi trials ahead of 2026 launch
Qatar has officially launched operational trials of self-driving robot taxis. The Level 4 autonomous electric taxis are a landmark initiative led by Mowasalat (Karwa) in coordination with the Ministry of Transport. The trials are currently underway in selected touristic and service areas and are a key part of Qatar's Autonomous Vehicles Strategy and broader vision for smart, sustainable mobility. Qatar self-driving taxis The pilot follows the success of previous autonomous electric bus trials and reflects the country's commitment to integrating AI-driven, zero-emission transport solutions into the national network. The trial will unfold in two distinct phases: Phase 1: Driverless trial runs without passengers, monitored by a specialised team to assess technical readiness. Phase 2: Full-scale public testing with passengers but no driver, running through the first quarter of 2026. Each autonomous taxi is equipped with six cameras, four radars, and four LiDAR units, enabling advanced detection, real-time decision-making, and safe navigation in complex urban settings. In addition to evaluating the technology, the pilot will support the development of regulatory frameworks and the necessary infrastructure to accommodate next-generation mobility solutions in Qatar.
Arabian Business
16 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai announces 2-month diversions on major roads
The RTA has announced a series of traffic diversions on major roads in Dubai. Two-month diversions have been announced at Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road and the Dubai–Al Ain Road, with the Roads and Transport Authority advising alternative routes. All three diversions are to allow for rainwater and groundwater drainage works on roads in the Emirate and will last for an expected two months. The RTA advised motorists plan trips in advance to ensure smooth travel during this period. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road diversion The RTA revealed a two-month diversion on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and suggested alternative routes. The RTA said: 'To carry out rainwater and groundwater drainage works along with road resurfacing, a traffic diversion will be implemented at Al Barari Underpass on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road for two months starting June 28, 2025. 'Commuters can use the alternative routes via the Dubai–Al Ain Bridge (U-turn towards Jebel Ali) or the Global Village Underpass and Umm Suqeim Street intersection (U-turn towards Sharjah)'. To carry out rainwater and groundwater drainage works along with road resurfacing, a traffic diversion will be implemented at Al Barari Underpass on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road for two months starting 28 June 2025. Commuters can use the alternative routes via the Dubai–Al Ain… — RTA (@rta_dubai) June 27, 2025 Emirates Road diversion The RTA revealed there will be a two-month diversion on Emirates Road and suggested alternative routes. In a separate statement on social media, the RTA said: 'A traffic diversion will be implemented at Mudon Underpass on Emirates Road for two months starting June 28, 2025. 'The works include rainwater and groundwater drainage system upgrades along with road resurfacing. 'Commuters can use the alternative routes via Underpass 7 (U-turn towards Jebel Ali) or from Hessa Street to Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Street (towards Dubai)'. A traffic diversion will be implemented at Mudon Underpass on Emirates Road for two months starting 28 June 2025. The works include rainwater and groundwater drainage system upgrades along with road resurfacing. Commuters can use the alternative routes via Underpass 7 (U-turn… — RTA (@rta_dubai) June 27, 2025 Dubai–Al Ain Road diversion The RTA revealed a two-month further diversion and suggested alternative routes. On X, the RTA said: 'A temporary traffic diversion will be implemented at Umm Al Daman Underpass on Dubai–Al Ain Road starting June 28, 2025, lasting two months. 'The works aim to improve rainwater and groundwater drainage, along with road resurfacing. Commuters are advised to take the alternative route via Umm Nahad Bridge (Intersection 4), where a U-turn towards Dubai will be available to help ensure a smoother journey'. A temporary traffic diversion will be implemented at Umm Al Daman Underpass on Dubai–Al Ain Road starting 28 June 2025, lasting two months. The works aim to improve rainwater and groundwater drainage, along with road resurfacing. Commuters are advised to take the alternative… — RTA (@rta_dubai) June 26, 2025 Dubai diversions explained Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road Al Barari Underpass June 28, 2025 2 months Rainwater and groundwater drainage, road resurfacing – Dubai–Al Ain Bridge (U-turn towards Jebel Ali) – Global Village Underpass & Umm Suqeim St (U-turn towards Sharjah) Emirates Road Mudon Underpass June 28, 2025 2 months Rainwater ∧ groundwater drainage, road resurfacing – Underpass 7 (U-turn towards Jebel Ali) – Hessa St to Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed St (towards the city) DXB–Al Ain Road Umm Al Daman Underpass June 28, 2025 2 months Rainwater and groundwater drainage, road resurfacing – Umm Nahad Bridge (Intersection 4), U-turn towards the city All three diversions on the major roads in the emirate will begin on June 28 and are expected to be in place for two months and until the end of summer.
Arabian Business
19 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Company and UAE's G42 named among TIME100 Most Influential Companies
Saudi Arabia's Diriyah Company and UAE-based G42 have been named to the prestigious TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2025, a global list recognising organisations making extraordinary impact across business, culture, innovation, and sustainability. The annual list, curated by TIME editors and experts, highlights 100 companies reshaping their industries and influencing the world's future. This year, Diriyah Company was recognised for its transformational urban development project in Riyadh, while G42 was honoured in the 'Innovators' category as a rising global AI power. Diriyah: Saudi's cultural megaproject joins global elite Diriyah Company becomes only the second Saudi firm, after Aramco in 2024, to be included in the TIME100 list. The recognition spotlights the company's work in developing the $63.2 billion 'City of Earth', a visionary cultural and residential project on the outskirts of Riyadh. Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: 'Being recognized as one of the Time100 Most Influential Companies is a powerful affirmation of Diriyah's mission to lead with purpose: by honouring our heritage, uplifting our community, and embracing world-class sustainability and hospitality standards. 'From carbon-free construction, energy efficiency and water conservation, to cultural preservation and human-centric development, every aspect of Diriyah's development reflects a commitment to minimizing our environmental footprint while maximising quality of life for nearly 100,000 future residents' Diriyah's development strategy includes: Carbon-free construction and energy efficiency Water conservation and environmental stewardship Cultural landmarks such as the Royal Diriyah Opera House and Wadi Hanifah A focus on creating vibrant communities for nearly 100,000 future residents G42: UAE's AI trailblazer gains global spotlight Abu Dhabi-based G42 was recognised as an 'Innovator' on the list for its leadership in artificial intelligence and mega-scale digital infrastructure. TIME specifically cited G42's launch of the largest AI infrastructure project outside the US—a 10-square-mile AI campus unveiled in May in partnership with Microsoft and OpenAI. The campus, based in Abu Dhabi, includes supercomputing facilities, a science park, and is core to the UAE's ambition to become a global AI superpower by 2031. Faheem Ahamed, Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at G42, noted that G42's selection reflects its growing global influence, with giga-scale projects underway in Europe, Kenya, and the US, and a collaborative model that positions the company at the centre of global AI infrastructure development. TIME100: A global barometer of influence The TIME100 Most Influential Companies list was launched in 2021 and includes past honourees such as Apple, Microsoft, LVMH, and JP Morgan. Companies are evaluated on impact, innovation, ambition, leadership, and success, with nominations drawn from TIME's global contributor network and external experts. This year's recognition of Diriyah Company and G42 cements the growing global influence of the Gulf region, as it emerges as a powerhouse across a variety of fields. Other notable names on the list this year, included: Alibaba Nintendo UFC Hyundai Duolingo LinkedIn Prada Berkshire Hathaway Meta Amazon Netflix OpenAI SpaceX
Arabian Business
19 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia announces major visa update
Saudi Arabia has announced a major visa extension for visitors in the Kingdom. The General Directorate of Passports announced the launch of an initiative to extend all types and categories of expired visit visas for the purpose of final exit, effective from Muharram 1, 1447 AH (corresponding with June 26, 2025). The initiative provides a 30-day window for extension, contingent upon the payment of prescribed fees and penalties in accordance with regulations. Saudi visa extension The directorate stated that applicants may submit requests through the 'Tawasul Service' on the Ministry of Interior's Absher electronic platform during the specified period. The directorate also urged all eligible individuals to benefit from the initiative before the deadline.
