Technology

The AIJRF has officially launched the advanced and updated edition of its flagship educational initiative.

The AIJRF has officially launched the advanced and updated edition of its flagship educational initiative.

The newly unveiled curriculum, titled the Specialised Programme: Artificial Intelligence Journalism, Agentic AI & Content Creation (AIJD 2.0), represents a critical milestone in harmonising autonomous systems with modern media production.

This pioneering programme is the direct evolution of the Professional Diploma in Artificial Intelligence Journalism and Media of the Metaverse (AIJD). When originally introduced by the AIJRF in 2021, the AIJD made history as the first Arab and international professional diploma exclusively dedicated to Artificial Intelligence Journalism. The launch of AIJD 2.0 reflects the organisation's unwavering commitment to continuously updating its applied programmes. It serves as a direct response to the rapid transformation of the content creation industry and the growing integration of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies into modern newsrooms.

A central driver behind this comprehensive redesign is the urgent need to meet emerging professional requirements and labour-market demands projected through the year 2030. The media industry is no longer solely reliant on basic automation; it is rapidly adopting Agentic AI, AI agents, multimodal models, and intelligent automation. To ensure media professionals are adequately prepared for this shifting paradigm, AIJD 2.0 pivots heavily toward these advanced systems, ensuring that participants are not merely observers of this technological wave, but highly skilled practitioners.

To achieve this ambitious educational goal, the AIJRF has implemented a highly rigorous training methodology. The programme fundamentally departs from purely academic models by utilising a framework based on 20 per cent theoretical knowledge paired with 80 per cent practical application. This intensive focus on applied learning ensures that students spend the vast majority of their time working directly with the tools of Agentic AI, rather than simply studying their underlying concepts in the abstract.

Spanning a comprehensive 40 applied training hours, the Specialised Programme is meticulously structured across seven distinct modules. Within this extensive framework, participants will receive hands-on, practical training on an impressive roster of more than 40 different technological applications. These encompass traditional artificial intelligence frameworks, generative AI models, and cutting-edge Agentic AI tools. By interacting with such a diverse ecosystem, participants learn to design and produce sophisticated content, whilst mastering the intricacies of operating multifaceted digital platforms.

A cornerstone of the AIJD 2.0 curriculum is its commitment to project-based learning. The programme requires the completion of seven distinct applied projects, with one specialised assignment directly linked to each of the seven modules. Furthermore, participants must complete an integrated final project under specialist supervision, which is ultimately presented to the diploma's assessment committee. This rigorous structure empowers participants to move beyond theoretical knowledge, enabling them to develop practical systems for content production, digital platform management, media monitoring, and operational automation.

Crucially, while the programme is heavily anchored in future technologies, it maintains a strong human-centric philosophy. The AIJRF ensures that the curriculum emphasises the development of intelligent media organisations using traditional and Agentic AI without sacrificing the human element. The programme is distinctly designed to preserve the leading, irreplaceable role of human professionals in strategic decision-making, nuanced creativity, editorial supervision, and ethical governance.

The launch of AIJD 2.0 marks a transformative moment for media professionals globally. By bridging the gap between advanced Agentic AI systems and practical content creation, the AIJRF is cultivating a new generation of digital architects. These talented individuals will not only navigate the complexities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution but will actively define the future standards of intelligent, ethically governed journalism.

stc Bahrain has recently showcased its portfolio of advanced technology solutions to the Bahrain Space Agency.

stc Bahrain has recently showcased its portfolio of advanced technology solutions to the Bahrain Space Agency.

This presentation marks a crucial step in aligning the Kingdom’s leading digital enabler with the ambitious mandate of its national space sector.

For years, stc Bahrain has been at the forefront of the Kingdom’s digital transformation, rolling out robust network infrastructure, artificial intelligence integration, and comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. By presenting these capabilities to the Bahrain Space Agency, the telecommunications provider has demonstrated how terrestrial technology can fundamentally support and enhance space-oriented missions. The showcase highlighted a suite of enterprise solutions designed to address the highly specific, data-intensive requirements of modern space administration.

Aligning with Space Objectives

The Bahrain Space Agency has rapidly evolved since its inception, focusing heavily on building national capacity in satellite tracking, control systems, and Earth observation data analysis. The agency relies on the seamless, secure transmission of high-resolution satellite imagery and complex datasets to support national stakeholders. Consequently, the technology solutions presented by stc Bahrain are acutely relevant. Advanced cloud computing and secure data hosting are essential for managing the sheer volume of information generated by satellite operations. By leveraging a high-speed, low-latency network ecosystem, the space agency can process critical data more efficiently, facilitating faster decision-making for environmental monitoring, urban planning, and national security.

A vital component of the technology showcase undoubtedly revolves around cybersecurity—a shared priority for both organisations. The Bahrain Space Agency has previously championed secure communications through national initiatives and technologically advanced satellite payloads. As space assets become more integrated with the Internet of Things and ground-based infrastructure, the risk of data breaches increases exponentially. Advanced cybersecurity solutions offer the rigorous encryption and network protection required to safeguard sensitive satellite uplinks and downlinks. Ensuring that space-to-ground communications remain tamper-proof is not merely an operational requirement; it is a matter of absolute national sovereignty.

Artificial Intelligence and 5G-Advanced

Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence was a focal point of the technological convergence between the two entities. The space agency has already pioneered the use of AI in space for real-time image analysis. When this capability is paired with advanced AI and machine learning tools on the ground, the potential for innovation multiplies. Automated systems can sift through vast amounts of Earth observation data to identify subtle environmental changes, track marine activity, or optimise agricultural resources without requiring exhaustive human oversight.

The transition towards 5G-Advanced networks also plays a pivotal role in this narrative. As stc Bahrain continues to upgrade its mobile network capabilities, the potential for seamless integration with non-terrestrial networks becomes a tangible reality. By aligning its technological roadmap with the Bahrain Space Agency, the telecommunications leader is positioning itself to support next-generation communication paradigms. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the Kingdom remains at the cutting edge of global connectivity trends.

Empowering Future Talent

Beyond hardware and software, the collaboration between a telecommunications giant and a national space agency signals a broader commitment to human capital development. Both organisations share a core mission to empower the next generation of Bahraini talent. Through knowledge exchange and exposure to world-class technological infrastructure, local engineers and data scientists are provided with the platform necessary to thrive in a highly specialised, future-proof industry.

This decision to showcase advanced solutions to the Bahrain Space Agency is a testament to the Kingdom’s cohesive strategy for future growth. By ensuring that the space sector is backed by resilient, state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, Bahrain is not only securing its presence in the cosmos but also driving tangible, sustainable progress back on Earth.

The Sharjah Digital Department (SDD) has launched a comprehensive initiative to fortify the readiness of its governmental workforce.

The unyielding evolution of artificial intelligence is profoundly reshaping the structure of global public administration.

This transition demands a modern workforce that is not only technologically aware but highly proficient in deploying advanced digital tools. In a decisive move to remain at the vanguard of this technological shift, the Sharjah Digital Department (SDD) has launched a comprehensive initiative to fortify the readiness of its governmental workforce. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical execution, the department ensures its professionals can seamlessly harness artificial intelligence to elevate complex day-to-day operations.

To facilitate this ambitious upskilling endeavour, the Sharjah Digital Department has formed a strategic partnership with the Shams AI Club, situated at Sharjah Media City (Shams). Together, they hosted a highly specialised training workshop titled “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Media”. This bespoke educational programme constitutes a critical component of the SDD’s ongoing efforts to cultivate its employees’ technological capabilities. The primary objective is to solidify the workforce's ability to seamlessly apply artificial intelligence frameworks across various operational verticals. By undertaking this focused upskilling, the department aims to drive greater operational efficiency, enhance daily workplace productivity, and significantly elevate the overall structural quality of institutional outputs.

Recognising that distinct sectors naturally require tailored technological solutions, the collaborative programme meticulously targeted professionals whose roles are most acutely impacted by generative technologies. The specialised workshop brought together dedicated employees operating within the media, marketing, and design departments. Throughout the intensive sessions, the central focus remained on developing both foundational knowledge and highly practical, actionable skills. Facilitators guided attendees through the nuances of utilising sophisticated artificial intelligence tools to actively support digital content creation, streamline intensive media production workflows, and optimise digital marketing campaigns. The extensive programme highlighted multiple avenues for applying emerging technologies in ways that directly contribute to heightened institutional performance and the refinement of administrative operations.

The structural success of technological adoption relies heavily on visionary leadership and rigorous strategic alignment. H.E. Eng. Lamia Al Hosan Al Shamsi, the Director of the Sharjah Digital Department, articulated that the successful integration of artificial intelligence is fundamentally dependent on cultivating skilled professionals who can apply these systems effectively within the contemporary workplace environment. She emphasised that continuous investment in the digital capabilities of employees remains a paramount priority. Such investments ensure that disruptive technologies yield stronger organisational performance, improved departmental outputs, and greater systemic efficiency across the government sector.

Underscoring this long-term vision, H.E. added: “SDD is committed to developing a work environment that keeps pace with technological advancements by investing in the digital capabilities of its employees. These capabilities are a key enabler of the Sharjah Digital Transformation Strategy 2026-2028, which focuses on building a more future-ready government, strengthening a culture of innovation, and empowering government professionals to apply emerging technologies in support of sustainable digital transformation.”

To guarantee that attendees walked away with a robust understanding of the technological shift, the workshop covered a meticulously curated syllabus. The curriculum explored the historical evolution and fundamental principles of artificial intelligence before transitioning into highly technical territory. Participants deeply explored the mechanics of advanced language models and the precise deployment of artificial intelligence applications tailored for digital media and marketing. Crucially, the training addressed complex competencies such as intricate prompt engineering and the automated generation of high-resolution images and video content. Furthermore, the sessions dedicated substantial time to exploring the ethical use of artificial intelligence and the future of work.

The initiative’s distinctly practical focus ensured that participating government employees were thoroughly equipped with the actionable knowledge required to integrate advanced digital tools into their daily responsibilities more efficiently. This focused empowerment directly reflects Sharjah’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a digitally proficient government workforce capable of leveraging state-of-the-art innovations to deliver significantly enhanced public services.

Honeywell Technologies has officially announced the introduction of ComfortPoint™ Insights in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

As the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META) region accelerates its technological evolution, digital transformation investments are projected to surpass a staggering $74 billion by the year 2026.

Within this rapidly expanding digital landscape, organisations managing large and complex building portfolios face a unique and pressing dilemma. They must continuously improve operational efficiency and sustainability while simultaneously maintaining strict control over highly sensitive operational data. Addressing this critical intersection of performance and security, Honeywell Technologies has officially announced the introduction of ComfortPoint™ Insights in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This secure, customer-controlled, on-premise building analytics and visualisation platform is engineered specifically to help organisations strengthen their buildings’ performance while keeping all required operational data safely confined within their own sovereign infrastructure.

The demand for advanced analytics in building management is not new, but the strict regulatory and cybersecurity requirements of the modern era have created significant hurdles. Today, facility management teams require intelligent tools that offer deep operational insights without exposing critical infrastructure data to external vulnerabilities. To solve this challenge, ComfortPoint™ Insights enables customers to securely integrate massive volumes of data from their existing building management systems. Crucially, this integration is entirely vendor-agnostic. Regardless of the original equipment manufacturer or the existing legacy systems in place, organisations can consolidate their operational data to gain true enterprise-wide visibility. By leveraging advanced dashboards and intelligent analytics, facility managers can translate complex data streams into actionable insights, all while ensuring that their sensitive information never leaves their privately controlled, on-premise environment.

This hyper-focus on data sovereignty is becoming a baseline requirement for critical sectors across the META region. By implementing centralised monitoring and control across multiple geographical sites, ComfortPoint™ Insights allows facility management teams to standardise their operational processes. This unified approach not only improves strategic decision-making but also allows teams to respond far more effectively to immediate operational demands and fluctuations in building usage. The platform is explicitly tailored for high-stakes environments that require the utmost levels of data sovereignty and strict regulatory compliance. Such critical sectors include government and public sector entities, international airports, major transportation hubs, healthcare facilities, education campuses, expansive data centres, and large-scale commercial and industrial facilities. For these organisations, compromising on data security is simply not an option.

Highlighting the strategic importance of this regional launch, industry leaders at Honeywell Technologies outlined the specific market needs the new platform directly addresses, pointing to the delicate balance between robust data governance and the pursuit of operational intelligence in modern facility management.

“Organizations across the region are prioritizing automation solutions that combine operational intelligence with strong data governance and cybersecurity. For some companies operating particularly sensitive infrastructure, this includes the need to keep operation data on-premise,” said Nabil Cheqroun, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Technologies Building Automation in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa. “ComfortPoint™ Insights addresses this need, helping customers to unlock the full value of their building data while maintaining control within their own environments. This reflects Honeywell Technologies’ continued commitment to supporting secure, efficient and future-ready infrastructure across the region.”

The introduction of this powerful analytics platform builds directly upon Honeywell Technologies’ broader, industry-leading portfolio of smart building technologies. It also serves as a clear reflection of the company’s ongoing strategic investment in developing region-specific solutions for the META market. As regional governments and private enterprises continue to navigate an increasingly complex, data-driven operating environment, the need for robust, compliant, and resilient infrastructure has never been greater. Honeywell Technologies remains dedicated to supporting these organisations by enhancing their operational performance, rigorously protecting their critical infrastructure, and strengthening their cybersecurity resilience. Through innovations like ComfortPoint™ Insights, facility operators are now empowered to accelerate their digital transformation journeys safely, ensuring that their buildings are not only intelligent and efficient but completely secure from the ground up.