The Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have joined forces to launch a new cloud innovation centre in the capital that will help spur innovation in the public and private sectors.
The AWS Cloud Innovation Centre (CIC) is part of a three-year partnership that will enable companies based in Abu Dhabi to create solutions using next-generation technologies, aimed at supporting residents, businesses and the economy, Adio said in a statement on Thursday as part of Gitex Global in Dubai.
AWS — the cloud computing unit of Amazon, the world's biggest online marketplace — has more than a dozen CICs globally. Its Abu Dhabi unit will support innovation challenges with up to $1.5 million worth of AWS credits, it said.
"With its focus on innovative solutions, the centre will be a meaningful addition to Abu Dhabi’s growing technology ecosystem, equipping organisations with tools to transform rapidly and successfully," Abdulla Al Shamsi, acting director general of Adio, said.
"We see massive potential for innovation to make a difference across multiple industries ... that will propel businesses to success and transform the lives of citizens.”
Abu Dhabi's drive to promote digital transformation is reflected in several initiatives that encourage the use of emerging technologies to expand its entrepreneurship base and contribute to the economy.
Adio, the government body responsible for attracting investment to the emirate, launched a Dh2 billion ($545m) Innovation Programme in 2020 and has been constantly attracting organisations into its fold.
This week, Adio and Siemens Energy went to partnership for an innovation centre to be set up by the German company in Abu Dhabi, as a part of efforts to accelerate its journey into net zero in the UAE and globally.
Last month, Adio joined forces with cloud health company Innovaccer to improve the accessibility, affordability and quality of health care in the UAE and Middle East.
Global companies are flocking to Abu Dhabi to set up shop. Last month, US software company Oracle opened a technology collaboration centre on Reem Island that aims to help organisations boost their bottom lines.
Amazon, meanwhile, has been actively investing in the UAE. In August, it launched its second Middle East cloud region in the UAE in partnership with Adio, while in June it opened its largest delivery station in Abu Dhabi as it scaled its operations.
AWS's CIC in Abu Dhabi was developed in line with the UAE's national agenda focusing on the future economy, and is expected to accelerate the UAE's journey towards becoming a "hotbed" for technology-driven entrepreneurship, said Wojciech Bajda, head for the public sector in the Middle East and Africa at AWS.
"The CIC will provide an opportunity for organisations to collaborate with the public and private sectors to address their most pressing challenges, test new ideas and access technology expertise," he said.
Why seagrass matters
- Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
- Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
- Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
- Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
Cricket World Cup League 2 Fixtures
Saturday March 5, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy (all matches start at 9.30am)
Sunday March 6, Oman v Namibia, ICC Academy
Tuesday March 8, UAE v Namibia, ICC Academy
Wednesday March 9, UAE v Oman, ICC Academy
Friday March 11, Oman v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Saturday March 12, UAE v Namibia, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri, Muhammad Waseem, CP Rizwan, Vriitya Aravind, Asif Khan, Basil Hameed, Rohan Mustafa, Kashif Daud, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Karthik Meiyappan, Akif Raja, Rahul Bhatia
Honeymoonish
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ENGLAND SQUAD
For first two Test in India Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Moeen Ali, James Anderson , Dom Bess, Stuart Broad , Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes. Reserves James Bracey, Mason Crane, Saqib Mahmood, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Robinson, Amar Virdi.
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
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6025 – Dh20
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6026 – Dh 200
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
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Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
Cricket World Cup League 2
UAE squad
Rahul Chopra (captain), Aayan Afzal Khan, Ali Naseer, Aryansh Sharma, Basil Hameed, Dhruv Parashar, Junaid Siddique, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Muhammad Waseem, Omid Rahman, Rahul Bhatia, Tanish Suri, Vishnu Sukumaran, Vriitya Aravind
Fixtures
Friday, November 1 – Oman v UAE
Sunday, November 3 – UAE v Netherlands
Thursday, November 7 – UAE v Oman
Saturday, November 9 – Netherlands v UAE
Skoda Superb Specs
Engine: 2-litre TSI petrol
Power: 190hp
Torque: 320Nm
Price: From Dh147,000
Available: Now
The story of Edge
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, established Edge in 2019.
It brought together 25 state-owned and independent companies specialising in weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare.
Edge has an annual revenue of $5 billion and employs more than 12,000 people.
Some of the companies include Nimr, a maker of armoured vehicles, Caracal, which manufactures guns and ammunitions company, Lahab
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
