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AI for GCC
Friday, October 17 Edition
AI powering the Gulf’s next leap in innovation, jobs, and global partnerships
👋 Welcome, Innovators
The Gulf’s AI story is growing faster than ever. From government automation in the UAE to billion-dollar investments in Qatar, this week proves that artificial intelligence is no longer an experiment but a foundation for national progress. Whether you’re a student, founder, or policymaker, every update here shows how AI is shaping the region’s future and the opportunities waiting for you.
🇺🇸Google DeepMind introduces Veo 3.1 with richer audio and creative control
Google DeepMind has rolled out Veo 3.1, a major update to its AI video model that enhances realism, audio quality, and narrative control. The upgrade brings audio generation to tools like “Ingredients to Video,” “Frames to Video,” and “Extend,” allowing creators to craft more immersive scenes. New editing features, including “Insert” and object removal, give users greater precision when refining clips. Veo 3.1 is now available through Flow, the Gemini API, and Vertex AI, opening new horizons for AI-powered filmmaking.
🇦🇪UAE launches AI system ‘Eye’ to automate work permit processing
The UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has introduced ‘Eye’, an AI-powered system that automates the verification and approval of work permit applications, reducing human involvement to only exceptional cases. Using an AI Agent to authenticate documents such as passports, photos, and academic certificates, the system speeds up approvals, enhances accuracy, and minimizes human error while supporting the UAE’s vision for smarter, more efficient government services.
🇦🇪🇨🇦UAE and Canada strengthen collaboration in AI and advanced technology
The UAE and Canada are exploring deeper economic partnerships in artificial intelligence and advanced technology following a high-level meeting between H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, and The Honourable Evan Solomon, Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in innovation-driven sectors, promoting responsible AI policies, and enhancing joint research and development. The UAE showcased initiatives such as the Future 100 program and the National Economic Registry (Growth) platform, reflecting its strategy to position itself as a global hub for the new economy.
🇶🇦🇨🇦Canada and Qatar to deepen cooperation in AI and digital transformation
Canada’s Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, Evan Solomon, highlighted strong prospects for expanding cooperation with Qatar in innovation, AI, and digital transformation. During his visit to Doha, Solomon announced that both nations plan to sign a memorandum of understanding before the end of 2025 to boost their digital partnership. The collaboration will focus on technology, cybersecurity, education, and health, with Canadian firms like Cohere and BlackBerry already active in Qatar. Solomon praised Qatar’s growing role as a regional hub for AI and digital innovation, noting that the partnership aims to build long-term, sustainable ties in these high-impact industries.
🇶🇦Qatar invests $3 billion to power AI and data center growth
Qatar is making a bold $3 billion investment in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure through a partnership between the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Blue Owl Capital. The initiative aims to expand global compute capacity and position Qatar as a leading technology hub. Local firm MEEZA is also adding 44 MW of new data center capacity, with 6 MW dedicated to AI services, supported by a QAR 800 million facility from Dukhan Bank. These efforts align with Qatar National Vision 2030, driving economic diversification and technology leadership. The government and global partners like Microsoft are training 50,000 people in advanced digital skills by 2025, opening new career paths in AI, cloud, and cybersecurity.
🎓 Reminder for Google AI Scholars
If you are among the AI for GCC subscribers who received free access to the Google AI Certification Course, please remember to complete your course by October 31. Your access will end after that date.
If you missed this batch, you can still join the next one for free as part of your AI for GCC subscription. Earn your $1,000 Google AI Scholarship and learn directly from Google’s latest AI programs.
🌍 The Takeaway
From Google’s cinematic AI breakthroughs to the Gulf’s multi-billion-dollar data center investments, this week highlights one clear message: AI is now part of the region’s core economic strategy. It is shaping jobs, transforming government services, and creating global opportunities for Gulf talent.
How do you see these changes influencing your role or business in the next few years?
— Team AI for GCC
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