Hello, Smashi Business readers! 🌟

Expand North Star, with 1,800+ exhibiting startups, concluded at Dubai Harbour on Wednesday, attracting an estimated 70,000 visitors. Follow us on Instagram to get a low-down of what was happening there in our stories.

Meanwhile, GITEX Global is in full swing, entering penultimate day today, with Botim founder’s tongue-in-cheek review starting with ‘traffic’ and ending with ‘everyone signed an MOU with Oracle’.

Also, if you are planning to visit GITEX, do catch our Augustus Media founder and CEO Richard Fitzgerald taking part in a panel session on ‘Creative Storytelling for the Digital Age’ between 1430-1530 in Hall 3 at the Dubai World Trade Center. Here’s the agenda for Day 4 of GITEX Global.

So, another day and another round of news mostly from things happening in/at/during GITEX Global 2024.

1. 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi in Limelight with Multiple Initiatives Coming out of the UAE Capital 🌍

2. 🚄 Dubai to Abu Dhabi in 57 Minutes: Etihad Rail's High-Speed Passenger Service 🏙️

3. 🚖🔗 Bolt Teams Up with Dubai Taxi for E-Hailing Revolution in the UAE! 🇦🇪

Let's dive in! 👇

🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi in Limelight with Multiple Initiatives Coming out of the UAE Capital 🌍

📰 What is it about?

• Khazna’s New Data Center:

  • Abu Dhabi-based Khazna Data Centers, owned by G42, announces a 100MW AI-optimized data center in Ajman, the largest of its kind in the UAE, boosting AI innovation.

• Core42 and AMD Collaboration:

  • Abu Dhabi-based Core42, which comes under G42, partners with AMD to test AI and machine learning technologies, enhancing confidential computing for public and private cloud solutions.

• Abu Dhabi Government’s AI-Powered Initiatives:

  • Abu Dhabi Government launches AI-based services like GovGPT and an AI audiobook platform to transform digital services and improve citizen experience.

💡 Why it matters?

• Khazna’s Data Center:

  • Reinforces the UAE's position as a leader in AI infrastructure and supports local economic growth with a multi-billion-dirham investment.

• Core42 and AMD Partnership:

  • Advances security and performance for AI-driven cloud computing, ensuring robust digital transformation solutions for businesses in the UAE.

• Abu Dhabi’s AI Initiatives:

  • Demonstrates the emirate's commitment to becoming a global AI leader, enhancing public services, efficiency, and accessibility.

🔜 What’s next?

• Khazna’s Data Center:

  • The AI-optimized facility is expected to be operational by Q3 2025, creating highly skilled jobs and supporting the digital economy.

• Core42 and AMD Collaboration:

  • A proof-of-concept evaluation of AMD Instinct™ accelerators will begin, setting the stage for advanced AI deployments and cloud transformation projects.

• Abu Dhabi Government:

  • Over 80 transformative AI initiatives will be revealed during GITEX Global 2024, continuing to shape a future-ready, AI-native government.

📈 Markets

🚄 Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 57 Minutes: Etihad Rail's High-Speed Passenger Service 🏙️

📰 What is it about?

• Etihad Rail is introducing high-speed passenger trains, reducing travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai to just 57 minutes—significantly quicker than the usual two-hour car journey.

• Other routes include Abu Dhabi to Al Ruwais in 70 minutes and Abu Dhabi to Fujairah in 105 minutes, enhancing connectivity across the UAE.

• The rail service will connect 11 cities and regions including Sharjah, Fujairah, and Al Sila, offering a comprehensive transportation solution.

💡 Why it matters?

• The AED50 billion UAE Railways Programme will boost the economy, creating over 9,000 jobs in the railway and related sectors by 2030.

• With its high-speed and environmentally friendly design, the project promotes sustainable travel, supporting the UAE's vision for a greener future.

• Once operational, the service is expected to carry approximately 36.5 million passengers annually, enhancing mobility and convenience for residents and tourists alike.

🔜 What’s next?

• Two passenger stations have been announced: Sakamkam in Fujairah and University City in Sharjah, with more locations expected soon.

• Trains will feature 15 luxury carriages with stylish interiors, including multiple seating classes and modern amenities like TV screens showing live updates.

• Although a launch date has not yet been finalized, infrastructure is rapidly advancing, and more announcements are anticipated in the coming months.

Quote of the day
“The race for excellence has no finish line” - His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

🚖🔗 Bolt Teams Up with Dubai Taxi for E-Hailing Revolution in the UAE! 🇦🇪

📰 What is it about?

• Bolt and Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) have announced a partnership to launch the UAE’s largest e-hailing platform.

• The partnership will be fully operational by the end of this year.

• This collaboration aims to tap into the UAE's Dhs6 billion taxi and e-hailing market.

💡 Why it matters?

• This agreement combines DTC's fleet of over 6,000 vehicles with Bolt's global mobility platform, creating a new leader in Dubai's transportation sector.

• Bolt's initiative supports Dubai's aim to transition 80% of taxi trips to e-booking, enhancing the city's commitment to sustainable transport options.

• This marks Bolt’s continued expansion into the Middle East following its success in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, solidifying its presence in the region.

🔜 What’s next?

• The e-hailing services are expected to launch by the end of the year, enhancing transportation accessibility in Dubai.

• Bolt plans to offer more sustainable and efficient transportation options for Dubai residents, reducing reliance on private car ownership.

• As the partnership progresses, further enhancements and expansions in service offerings may be expected to improve the overall mobility experience in the UAE.

In other news…

1. Microsoft to inject $74 billion in UAE, creating 150,000+ jobs over next four years: report

2. Dubai-born House of Pops is now going to Kuwait!

3. Dubai’s Damac Group to invest $1 billion in Thailand data centres.

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