Egypt has teamed up with French technology company Thales to develop artificial intelligence applications in the country.
The partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology will help to develop local skills, technology, infrastructure and governance mechanisms, the entities said in a joint statement on Wednesday.
This agreement will accelerate Egypt’s efforts to build a digital economy, Dr Amr Talaat, Egypt’s minister of communications and information technology, said.
“Egypt is keen on adopting and developing emerging technologies … the alliance also reflects the strategic partnership between Egypt and France in AI, as this marks the sixth consecutive MoU signed with our French partners in the past 18 months,” he added.
Thales and MCIT will also work closely with local start-ups and organise events to foster local talent.
They will identify potential projects in areas such as ground transportation, e-government, mobility and smart infrastructure to strengthen Egypt's role as a regional leader and an active global player in AI.
“The collaboration puts AI at the forefront of our joint projects, with an aim to provide smart and safe solutions and services for the smart cities of the future,” Sherif Barakat, chief executive of Thales in Egypt, said.
Alongside developing new technologies, Thales and MCIT will explore the effects of AI on government, jobs, education and the digital divide.
They will also conduct joint research on AI ethics and organise programmes to educate people about the opportunities and risks posed by AI, such as data privacy.
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
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Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
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