Hong Kong is emerging as a pivotal hub for the burgeoning space economy, leveraging its unique position as a global superconnector and its robust legal framework. The recent successful yet delayed return of the Shenzhou XX mission crew, due to space debris, has underscored the urgent need for advanced legal and regulatory mechanisms to address the complexities of space commercialization.
分类： technology
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Platforms face stringent new privacy rules
China has unveiled a comprehensive set of draft regulations aimed at bolstering personal information protection and ensuring the secure handling of data by large online platforms. Released jointly by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Ministry of Public Security, the draft seeks to enhance individual rights and foster the sustainable growth of the platform economy. Key provisions mandate that personal data collected and generated within China must be stored domestically. Any cross-border data transfers must adhere to stringent national security protocols. Platforms are required to implement robust technical and managerial safeguards to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized overseas data transfers. Additionally, the draft emphasizes the need for data centers to meet national security standards and be located within China. Service providers must offer users accessible methods to manage their personal information, including options to access, correct, supplement, delete, or transfer their data. In cases of severe lapses in data protection—such as repeated violations or large-scale breaches affecting over a million individuals—platforms may face compliance audits and risk assessments conducted by third-party experts. The draft also encourages the adoption of advanced technologies like national network identity authentication and data labeling to elevate data security. Public feedback on the draft is being accepted until December 22, with authorities committed to responding to complaints within 15 working days. The CAC and Ministry of Public Security have underscored the importance of maintaining confidentiality for all parties involved in handling sensitive information.
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Takeoff of China’s flying taxis hits turbulence
In the bustling innovation zones of Guangzhou and Shenzhen, China’s technological prowess is taking to the skies. EHang, a leading flying taxi manufacturer, recently showcased its unmanned, oval-shaped craft hovering over a riverside area, resembling a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie. Meanwhile, in Shenzhen, food-delivery drones have become a daily convenience and a tourist attraction, despite their higher costs. Polish tourist Karolina Trzciańska marveled at the novelty of receiving her bubble tea via drone, calling it a ‘super fun’ experience.
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UAE women leaders back AI as key to gender equality amid regional push for inclusion
Women leaders in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are increasingly viewing artificial intelligence (AI) as a pivotal force in advancing gender equality within the technology sector. Despite persistent structural challenges, a recent survey by Cloudera reveals that 91% of female IT leaders in the UAE anticipate achieving gender parity in AI leadership within the next five years. This optimism underscores the transformative potential of AI in fostering a more inclusive tech landscape. The survey highlights that 88% of respondents believe AI will play a crucial role in promoting gender balance, while an equal percentage are confident that women will significantly influence future AI strategies and governance. However, concerns remain. Nearly half (46%) of the respondents expressed worries about the scarcity of women in senior AI roles, and 44% fear that underrepresentation could lead to biases being embedded into AI systems. Additionally, 52% identified limited opportunities at the top as a major hurdle, and 84% emphasized the need for organizations to provide targeted AI training for women. Eman Gammoh, Head of AI at Arab Bank, remarked, ‘Women are not only participating; we are key drivers, fundamentally shaping the future of AI strategy and governance.’ Manasi Vartek, Chief AI Architect at Cloudera, stressed the importance of a unified data foundation and targeted training for women to ensure trustworthy AI. The UAE’s efforts align with broader regional initiatives. The UAE Gender Balance Council has achieved significant milestones, with women constituting 70% of university graduates and 56% of STEM graduates at public universities. Saudi Arabia has also surpassed its Vision 2030 target for female labor force participation, reaching 36.3% in early 2025. Corporate strategies are evolving, with 78% of Middle Eastern women business leaders expressing confidence in growth, though nearly half seek clearer AI and ESG strategies. Programs like She Leads 2025 are equipping women entrepreneurs across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with AI skills and leadership training, fostering a regional network for inclusive innovation. Despite these advancements, two-thirds of respondents believe gender equality is often treated as a ‘tick-box exercise,’ and 64% cite limited access to upskilling as a critical bottleneck. The Middle East’s tech ambitions are clear, with women increasingly at the forefront of this transformation. However, as AI reshapes industries, the question remains whether structural reforms will keep pace with technological advancements.
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Dubai’s Secure.com secures $4.5m to launch AI agents amid soaring cyber threats
Dubai-based cybersecurity startup Secure.com has secured $4.5 million in funding from Disrupt.com to accelerate the deployment of its AI-driven Digital Security Teammate (DST) platform. This innovative solution aims to address the critical talent shortage in the cybersecurity industry, which has reached a crisis level with 4.8 million unfilled roles globally. The funding comes at a time when global cybercrime damages have surged to $10.5 trillion, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, and the Middle East faces an average breach cost of $7.29 million per incident. Despite these alarming figures, only half of affected companies in the region plan to increase their security budgets. Secure.com’s DST platform is designed to alleviate the operational pressures on security teams by acting as virtual colleagues embedded within existing security systems. These AI agents investigate alerts, triage incidents, and handle compliance tasks, reducing noise by 60% and saving thousands of analyst hours annually. Early deployments in finance, healthcare, and tech sectors have demonstrated significant improvements, including 70% faster threat detection and 50% quicker resolution times. The platform’s affordability, starting at $2,500 per month, makes enterprise-grade cybersecurity accessible to mid-market organizations with limited resources. Secure.com’s initiative aligns with the Middle East’s broader strategy to position itself as a hub for next-generation technologies and global cybersecurity standards. Uzair Gadit, CEO of Secure.com, emphasized the urgency of leveraging AI to combat the escalating cyber threat landscape, stating, ‘You cannot hire your way out of a $10.5 trillion threat. You need leverage. Digital Security Teammates deliver that leverage—today.’
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Charging your phone in public transport? 79% of UAE travellers risk cyber theft
The UAE Cyber Security Council has issued a stark warning to the public about the dangers of using untrusted charging ports, particularly in public transport settings. According to the Council, a staggering 79% of travellers in the UAE unknowingly put their personal data at risk by charging their devices at unsecured public stations. These ports can harbor malicious software or hidden systems that exploit media transfer protocols, enabling cybercriminals to access personal data through ‘juice jacking’ attacks. The Council emphasized that such practices can lead to data theft, password breaches, or the covert installation of harmful software on mobile devices. Additionally, 68% of companies have reportedly suffered attacks originating from untrusted charging ports, resulting in significant data breaches and compromised digital infrastructure. To mitigate these risks, the Council has advised travellers to carry personal chargers, avoid public charging stations, and reject any data-transfer requests during charging. Other preventive measures include enabling two-factor authentication, using biometric login features, and regularly reviewing app permissions. The Council also highlighted the importance of verifying the safety of installed applications, as some may contain malicious software capable of enabling financial fraud or stealing sensitive information. As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity awareness, the UAE Cyber Security Council has launched the Cyber Pulse initiative, a weekly campaign aimed at educating the public on safe digital practices and countering cyber threats. This initiative is a key component of the UAE’s broader strategy to create a secure cyberspace, foster trust in the digital ecosystem, and ensure the safety and privacy of all users.
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In Ukraine’s ‘kill-zone’, robots are a lifeline to troops trapped on perilous eastern front
In the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, the Fifth Brigade of the Ukrainian army has deployed unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) to deliver critical supplies to troops on the frontline in Pokrovsk and Myrnograd. These robotic devices, often referred to as ‘land drones,’ have become indispensable in a region where Russian forces are aggressively targeting supply routes. The UGVs, resembling mini tanks without turrets, are small, agile, and capable of navigating narrow paths, making them ideal for transporting food, ammunition, and fuel to soldiers in perilous conditions.
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UAE launches $1 billion AI for Development initiative in Africa
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled a groundbreaking $1 billion initiative, titled ‘AI for Development,’ aimed at fostering artificial intelligence (AI) projects across African nations. Announced by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, during the G20 summit in South Africa, this initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies to drive economic and social progress in developing regions. The program will focus on enhancing digital infrastructure, improving government services, and boosting productivity levels across the continent. The initiative will be spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), a division of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, in collaboration with the Emirates Agency for International Aid. This institutional partnership reflects the UAE’s strategic vision to empower developing countries by integrating AI into their development frameworks. Sheikh Khaled emphasized the UAE’s dedication to fostering sustainable growth through innovative financing solutions and international cooperation. The initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in enabling African nations to harness the transformative potential of AI, thereby contributing to comprehensive and inclusive development.
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Dubai unveils private terminal for helicopters, flying taxis, eVTOLs
Dubai has unveiled a groundbreaking private terminal designed to accommodate helicopters, flying taxis, and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Developed by Falcon Executive Aviation, a UAE-based aviation company, the terminal was announced at the recently concluded Dubai Airshow 2025. Spanning a 6,380 square meter plot, the facility is engineered as an ultra-private hub with direct helipad and vertiport access, enabling seamless arrivals, departures, and inter-emirate transfers. The terminal is part of a broader vision to revolutionize air mobility in the region. It will offer a streamlined travel experience, allowing passengers to land via private jet, clear customs privately, and transition to helicopters or eVTOLs for rapid point-to-point travel across Dubai. In addition to its advanced aviation capabilities, the terminal will feature luxury amenities such as high-end retail, private banking, commercial spaces, and dedicated VIP lounges, all designed to support a premium vertical-mobility ecosystem. Sultan Rashit Abdulla Rashit Al Shene, founder and chairman of Alex Group Investment, emphasized that this project marks the beginning of a new chapter for aviation in Dubai, positioning the UAE as a leader in future air mobility. The initiative is bolstered by the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), which has issued a regulatory framework allowing eVTOLs and conventional helicopters to operate interchangeably on the same infrastructure. This dual-use approach is expected to accelerate implementation timelines and optimize infrastructure utilization. Visitors to the Dubai Airshow 2025 were given a preview of the flying taxi set to be deployed by the first quarter of next year, further highlighting Dubai’s commitment to pioneering innovative transportation solutions.
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China opens draft regulations on data protection to public consultation
In a significant move to bolster personal information security, Chinese authorities have unveiled draft regulations targeting large online platforms. Released jointly by the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and the Ministry of Public Security, the proposal seeks public feedback until December 22, 2025. The draft emphasizes the domestic storage of personal data collected within China, with stringent requirements for any cross-border data transfers. Platforms must adhere to national security standards and implement robust technical and managerial safeguards to prevent unauthorized data exports. Additionally, the regulations mandate that online service providers offer users accessible methods to manage their personal information, including options to access, correct, supplement, delete, or transfer their data. In cases of severe data breaches or repeated violations, platforms may face compliance audits and risk assessments conducted by third-party experts. The draft also promotes the use of advanced technologies such as national network identity authentication and data labeling to enhance data protection. Public consultation is actively encouraged, with authorities committed to responding to complaints within 15 working days. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to safeguarding individual privacy while fostering the sustainable growth of the platform economy.