分类： technology

Dubai’s strategic early adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) has positioned the emirate as a global leader in digital innovation. According to Marwan Al Zarouni, CEO of AI at Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the city’s ‘lead by example’ approach has been instrumental in integrating AI across public services and regulatory systems. Speaking at the Care for Sustainability MENA event in Dubai, Al Zarouni emphasized the importance of appointing an AI officer in every government department to ensure alignment, ownership, and swift execution of AI initiatives. This unified vision has enabled Dubai to stay ahead of international competitors in the AI race. Dubai’s journey with AI began long before many other cities, with the UAE appointing the world’s first Minister of AI in 2017 and launching dedicated education programs as early as 2012. This early start allowed Dubai to build the necessary skills, structures, and regulations to support AI’s rapid evolution. Al Zarouni highlighted the D33 economic agenda, which aims to double Dubai’s GDP by 2033, with AI expected to contribute Dh100 billion annually. Additionally, Dubai is striving to become one of the top three global cities within the next decade, supported by initiatives like the Dubai 500 School, which fosters startups and investors through talent, capital, and mentorship. Policy development remains a cornerstone of Dubai’s innovation ecosystem, with frameworks like the Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) designed to provide legal clarity for businesses. Al Zarouni described Dubai’s approach as ‘intelligent infrastructure,’ focusing on agility, safety, and real-world outcomes. The city’s commitment to AI is not theoretical but practical, with AI deeply integrated into its operations. The event also showcased the commercial opportunities created by Dubai’s AI strategy. Alex Pavan, Founder and CEO of Emtribe, noted that the UAE’s focus on sustainability and digital transformation has made it an ideal location for AI-driven businesses. Emtribe’s platform, entirely built using AI, exemplifies the potential of Dubai’s AI ecosystem. Pavan emphasized the importance of automation and digitalization in achieving sustainability goals, particularly in decarbonization and energy optimization. Dubai’s leadership in AI and sustainability continues to attract global attention, solidifying its position as a hub for innovation and technological advancement.

South Korea has taken a significant leap in its space exploration endeavors with the successful launch of its largest satellite to date using the domestically developed Nuri rocket. The event, which took place early Thursday from the Naro Space Center on Goheung Island, marks the fourth in a series of six planned launches extending through 2027. The three-stage Nuri rocket successfully deployed a 516-kilogram science satellite and 12 microsatellites into a target orbit approximately 600 kilometers above Earth. The Korea Aerospace Administration is currently verifying the successful transmission of signals from the satellites. The primary satellite is equipped with advanced instruments, including a wide-range airglow camera for observing auroral activity, systems for measuring plasma and magnetic fields, and equipment for conducting life-science experiments in space. The smaller cube satellites, developed by university teams and research institutions, are designed for various purposes, such as studying Earth’s atmosphere, tracking oceanic plastic, and testing solar cells and communication equipment. This launch follows a successful mission in May 2023, which placed a 180-kilogram observation satellite into orbit, and represents a recovery from the initial failed attempt in October 2021. Further launches are scheduled for 2026 and 2027 as part of South Korea’s broader strategy to enhance its space technologies and narrow the gap with leading Asian space powers like China, Japan, and India. The Nuri rocket, powered by five 75-ton-class engines in its first and second stages and a 7-ton-class engine in its third stage, is a testament to South Korea’s growing capabilities in space technology, having previously relied on other nations for satellite launches since the 1990s.

Abu Dhabi has officially launched the world’s first commercial fully driverless taxi service outside the United States, positioning the UAE capital at the forefront of autonomous transportation innovation. The groundbreaking service, operational since November 26, 2025, represents a collaborative venture between Uber Technologies and Chinese autonomous vehicle developer WeRide.

The initial phase of deployment focuses on Yas Island, where passengers can now access self-driving vehicles without any human safety operators inside the cabin. This Level 4 automation technology enables complete hands-free operation within designated geographical zones, with vehicles capable of handling all driving tasks and responding to dynamic traffic conditions without human intervention.

Users can access the service through Uber’s platform via two distinct methods: through the standard Uber Comfort or UberX options, or specifically through Uber’s newly created ‘Autonomous’ category—marking the ride-sharing giant’s first dedicated autonomous ride option worldwide. The vehicles maintain critical safety protocols including emergency pull-over capabilities and manual takeover options as precautionary measures.

The current deployment follows WeRide’s acquisition of a federal permit for fully driverless commercial operations last month, building upon the company’s four-year presence in Abu Dhabi’s autonomous vehicle landscape. Since initiating robotaxi services in 2021, WeRide has maintained a first-mover advantage in the region, becoming the first company to receive a comprehensive UAE national license for all self-driving vehicle types in 2023.

The partnership has expanded significantly since its December 2024 launch, now covering approximately half of Abu Dhabi’s core urban areas including Al Reem and Al Maryah. With over 100 robotaxis currently operational in the Middle East, the companies plan to extend coverage to additional metropolitan zones by the end of 2025, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for autonomous transportation technology.

In a groundbreaking move, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) has unveiled a comprehensive action plan aimed at accelerating the growth of the commercial space sector and fostering international cooperation over the next two years. The initiative, announced on Tuesday, underscores China’s commitment to integrating commercial space enterprises into its broader space exploration and development agenda. The CNSA has called on domestic commercial space firms to expand their global footprint, particularly by assisting developing nations in establishing satellite-application industries. To facilitate this, the agency has pledged to incorporate commercial space projects into China’s international cooperation framework. A key component of the plan is the expansion of commercial access to China’s national network of civilian tracking, telemetry, and control (TT&C) stations, data-receiving sites, calibration ranges, and validation fields. Additionally, commercial entities will gain access to large-scale test assets, including rocket-engine test stands and space-environment simulation facilities. The CNSA will also establish a national commercial space development fund and broaden government procurement to include commercial capabilities such as launch vehicles, satellites, launch sites, and TT&C facilities in national missions. Local governments are encouraged to set up technology-innovation centers focused on reusable rockets and smart satellites, and to create open platforms for advanced manufacturing, final assembly, and testing. The plan also includes measures to build commercial launch sites, unify space standards, and open space-debris data to enhance collision warnings for commercial spacecraft. Furthermore, commercial firms are urged to pioneer new frontiers in space resource utilization, on-orbit servicing, debris removal, space tourism, and in-space biomanufacturing. The overarching goal of the plan is to achieve high-quality development of the commercial space sector by 2027, aligning with the recommendations for China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which lists the aerospace sector among its strategic emerging industries.

The Australian government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing a groundbreaking ban on social media access for children under 16, despite a legal challenge from the Digital Freedom Project. The Sydney-based advocacy group filed a constitutional challenge in the High Court on Wednesday, contesting the law set to take effect on December 10. The legislation prohibits children under 16 from holding accounts on major platforms, including Meta’s Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, as well as Snapchat, TikTok, X, and YouTube. Companies failing to comply face fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($32 million).

Communications Minister Anika Wells emphasized the government’s resolve, stating, ‘We will not be intimidated by legal challenges or Big Tech. On behalf of Australian parents, we stand firm.’ The Digital Freedom Project, led by New South Wales lawmaker John Ruddick, argues that the ban infringes on young people’s right to freedom of political communication and shifts parental responsibilities to the government. ‘Parental supervision of online activity is today the paramount parental responsibility. We do not want to outsource that to unelected bureaucrats,’ Ruddick said.

The case, brought by Sydney law firm Pryor, Tzannes and Wallis Solicitors on behalf of two 15-year-olds, has yet to determine whether an injunction will be sought to delay the ban’s implementation. Meanwhile, Meta has begun warning thousands of Australian children suspected to be under 16 to download their digital histories and delete their accounts before the ban takes effect.

Australia’s move has also influenced other nations, with Malaysia announcing plans to ban social media accounts for children under 16 starting in 2026. Malaysian Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil cited the need to protect young people from online harms such as cyberbullying, scams, and sexual exploitation. The Malaysian government is studying Australia’s approach and considering age verification methods using identity cards or passports.