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Elon Musk Champions AI Regulation in California: Is that Good, Bad or Ugly?

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In a significant development for the AI sector, Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of the social media platform X, recently voiced his support for California’s proposed SB 1047 bill. This bill aims to enforce stricter regulations on advanced AI models, particularly focusing on safety testing conducted by tech companies and AI developers. Musk’s endorsement highlights a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about AI regulation, given his previously more skeptical stance on such measures.

California’s legislative session has been marked by a flurry of AI-related proposals, with 65 bills introduced, many of which have already been shelved. Among these, AB 3211, which calls for the labeling of AI-generated content, has garnered backing from tech giants like Microsoft and OpenAI. This bill seeks to address the growing concerns about the impact of AI-generated content, from harmless memes to potentially harmful deepfakes influencing political landscapes, especially as several countries prepare for elections this year.

Andreas Hassellof, CEO of Ombori, a company with a strong presence in UAE and at the forefront of responsible AI development, shares his perspective on this evolving situation. “Elon Musk’s recent endorsement of California’s SB 1047 has sparked a crucial conversation within the tech community. I believe this debate represents a critical juncture in the evolution of AI technology and policy,” Hassellof comments.

He notes the surprise within the industry at Musk’s shift in stance on AI regulation. “Musk’s support for this bill underscores the complexity of the issues we face as we push the boundaries of AI capabilities,” Hassellof adds. While his company supports the need for regulation to ensure AI is developed and deployed safely, Hassellof expresses concerns about the bill’s approach, particularly its potential limitations on compute capacity. “While the intention behind SB 1047 is understandable, we worry that restricting compute power could inadvertently stifle innovation without effectively addressing the core safety concerns.”

Hassellof emphasizes the importance of open-source development in AI. “The collaborative nature of open-source development has been a cornerstone of AI innovation. Many ventures, including potentially Musk’s own xAI, have thrived in this ecosystem. We must be cautious not to implement regulations that could hinder this vital aspect of AI development.”

He also highlights the global perspective on AI regulation, noting that regions like the UAE, with a strong support for innovation, could emerge as new hubs for AI development if they adopt a more balanced regulatory approach. “Rather than imposing broad restrictions, we advocate for targeted regulations that address specific high-risk applications of AI while still promoting innovation and collaboration,” Hassellof suggests.

As the AI sector continues to advance, Hassellof calls for a nuanced approach to governance. “The future of AI is too important to be decided by hasty legislation or blanket solutions. We must work together—policymakers, industry leaders, and the tech community—to create regulations that protect against genuine risks without sacrificing our innovative edge or the spirit of open-source collaboration that has driven so much progress.”

Hassellof reaffirms the company’s commitment to responsible AI development and stresses the need for ongoing dialogue to shape a future where AI benefits everyone. “We believe that open dialogue and collaboration are key to crafting regulations that ensure AI’s potential is realized responsibly,” he concludes.

As the debate over AI regulation continues, it’s clear that finding a balance between safety and innovation is paramount. The growing support for regulatory measures like SB 1047 reflects a recognition of the need to address potential risks associated with advanced AI technologies. However, the challenge lies in crafting regulations that are both effective in mitigating risks and conducive to fostering innovation.

As we move forward, the question remains: How can policymakers design AI regulations that safeguard against genuine threats while preserving the open and collaborative environment that has driven so much progress in the field? The answer will likely involve a thoughtful dialogue between regulators, industry leaders, and the tech community. Only by working together can we ensure that AI’s development is guided by principles that protect society without stifling the innovative spirit that has propelled the industry to new heights.

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RQEEM AND TORRY HARRIS SIGN LANDMARK AI MARKETPLACE MOU IN RIYADH

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Signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between Rqeem for Smart Solutions and Torry Harris Business Solutions, with representatives seated at a table signing documents and others standing behind, against a backdrop featuring event branding and digital graphics

Rqeem for Smart Solutions, the digital arm of Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), has signed an MoU with Torry Harris Business Solutions, to launch an AI-powered digital marketplace that will accelerate industrial transformation and attract new investment to Saudi Arabia.

Announced at the “Industrial Transformation of Saudi Arabia” event in Riyadh on December 2, 2025, the agreement positions Rqeem as RCJY’s innovative IT enabler creating a government-backed platform that connects SMEs, major industrial players, and global investors through a single digital ecosystem.

Bader Abduallah Alanazi, Sales and Marketing Director at Rqeem for Smart Solutions said in their Linked In post “ Through this partnership, we look forward to exploring new opportunities for collaboration in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, and to further supporting digital transformation across the industrial sector.”

Under the MoU, Torry Harris becomes Rqeem’s digital transformation partner, delivering a configurable, white-label marketplace that uses AI and API-driven integration to match supply and demand in real time across industrial sectors. The platform democratizes access to advanced digital tools once limited to large enterprises, directly supporting the Ministry of Industry’s Vision 2030 objectives.

“This partnership is about closing the technology gap between big enterprises and SMEs. We’re giving smaller industrial firms access to the same AI-driven insights, real-time intelligence, and seamless integration capabilities that global players rely on – so they can compete, innovate, and grow in today’s digital economy,” said Shivdayal Charan, Director, Torry Harris Middle East.

At the event, Rqeem highlighted its role as RCJY’s digital arm – delivering smart, scalable solutions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s national digital transformation agenda, positioning the marketplace around three priorities: closing the SME technology gap, building AI-driven network-effect ecosystems, and creating a 24/7 digital gateway for global investment into Saudi industrial clusters.

The AI-powered marketplace is structured to serve as a 24/7 global portal where investors can search, filter, and be algorithmically matched with qualified Saudi partners for joint ventures, technology collaboration, or specialised industrial services. Furthermore, investors can access a single recommendation engine that surfaces local companies by niche, capacity, and readiness, from anywhere in the world. Additionally, for SMEs and local industrial players, it provides a government-backed space to showcase capabilities and connect with larger manufacturers. As participation grows, network effects strengthen the matching quality and enhance the overall competitiveness of Saudi industrial clusters.

The platform is also configurable and white label, where similar solutions can be deployed across sectors such as logistics, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, smart cities, and technology services. In this model, a marketplace becomes the single digital front door for vetted SMEs, strengthening national competitiveness and entrepreneurial growth.

The Riyadh MoU emphasizes how a government-linked entity, partnering with a specialist integrator like Torry Harris, can transform the ecosystem where global capital, local innovation, and industrial policy mutually reinforce each other.

This innovative partnership template between Rqeem Smart Solutions and Torry Harris – can realize digital goals with 24/7 operational platforms that benefit investors, SMEs, and the wider economy.

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Global Investors Forum 2025 concludes with launch of Saudi-Georgia Investment Platform

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The Global Investors Forum (GIF 2025) has concluded its sessions in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, with the launch of the Saudi–Georgian Investment Platform, amid a high-profile international presence and strong interest from senior government officials, business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.

The closing day witnessed exceptional momentum, underscoring the forum’s standing as a prominent international platform that brings together the visions of GCC and Eurasian countries and reshapes the future pathways of investment cooperation between the two regions. GIF 2025 was held in strategic partnership with EurAsia Gulf, and GI Holding as the main partner, and with the support of the Embassy of Georgia in the United Arab Emirates and the Hong Kong – Middle East Business Chamber. The event is also sponsored by Petra Group, Evaluations, D&B Properties and Royal B.

The second day opened with a welcome address that highlighted the importance of economic dialogue and its role in expanding the scope of partnerships and integration between markets. The session saw contributions from H.E. Salah Al Shamsi, Chairman of Liwa Investment, and Dr Rock Mehanna, Board Member and Strategic Adviser to Evolutions and D&B Properties. The session set the stage for the launch of the Saudi–Georgian Investment Platform, one of the forum’s key initiatives this year.

The key highlight of the closing day was the official launch of the Saudi–Georgian Investment Platform, one of the most significant outcomes of this year’s forum. The announcement was made in the presence of Ahmed Al Dakheel, Chairman of the Saudi Business Council – Central Asian Countries and Chairman of the Saudi–Georgian Business Council; George Svanidze, Founder of Petra Group; and Ahmed Al Areej, Chairman of World Luxury Group. Also in attendance were Dr Tasyir Al Khunaizi, Partner and Deputy CEO of the Georgia Saudi Investment Corporation, and Dr Sadeddine Mneimne, Chairman of AGI Holding and Chairman of the Global Investors Forum.

This agreement marks a pivotal milestone in the economic relations between the two countries, establishing an institutional framework that supports the flow of bilateral investments and enables the implementation of joint projects across key sectors, including tourism and hospitality, health and wellness, agriculture, logistics, and other promising development initiatives.

The Saudi–Georgian Investment Platform is a joint investment venture between Saudi and Georgian businessmen, operating as a commercial entity with clear governance structures that ensure a secure and transparent environment for investors. Ahmed Al Areej, Chairman of World Luxury Group, underscored that the platform aims to strengthen economic and cultural ties between the two countries by launching a ready-made investment portfolio worth hundreds of millions of dollars, encompassing tourism, wellness, service and development projects in both Saudi Arabia and Georgia.

Al Areej outlined that Georgia holds significant natural resources and vast opportunities in property development and wellness projects, in addition to being an emerging and renewed tourism destination. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, leads the regional economy thanks to its huge potential in mining, energy, real estate development and tourism, making the integration of the two economies an ideal opportunity to create joint projects with shared strategic value.

In his address, Dr Sadeddine Mneimne, Chairman of AGI Holding and Chairman of the Global Investors Forum, underlined that the forum was established to serve as a bridge connecting East and West, and as a vision that brings together governments, investors and innovators to build a future shaped not by geography, but by partnerships, courage and shared visions. He added: “My commitment to this forum is clear: to build a platform that does not stop at its current boundaries but continues to evolve and expand until it becomes a global engine for creating opportunities and shaping the economies of tomorrow.”

Dr Sadeddine Mneimne, and Farah Harb, Co-Founder of Innovents ME, announced the new destinations set to host the Global Investors Forum 2026. The upcoming edition will take place across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Dominican Republic, in an expansion that reflects the forum’s growing international presence and its rising influence on the global investment map.

The launch of the platform came as a direct outcome of two days of discussions at the forum, and as a result of the sessions and bilateral business networking meetings in creating common ground for cooperation among investors and exchange of insightful views between the Saudi and Georgian sectors. The new platform is expected to strengthen cross-border partnerships, ease investors’ entry into high-potential markets and support entrepreneurs and value-added initiatives.

During the closing day, several business institutions and international companies delivered comprehensive presentations on strategic projects and diverse investment opportunities across sectors including technology, finance, professional services, real estate, artificial intelligence, ports and tourism. These sessions enabled participants to explore a wide range of promising investment prospects.

GIF 2025 saw the participation of an elite group of senior international figures, including His Excellency Salah Al Shamsi, Chairman of Liwa Investment; Dr Tasyir Al Khunaizi, Partner and Deputy CEO of the Georgia Saudi Investment Corporation; Aref Al Abbar, Chairman of the Emirates Hobbies Association; and Ahmed Al Dakheel, Chairman of the Saudi Business Council – Central Asian Countries and Chairman of the Saudi–Georgian Business Council.

Other notable participants included George Svanidze, Founder of Petra Group; Ahmed Al Areej, Chairman of World Luxury Group; Dr Arif Anis, internationally recognised leadership expert and recipient of the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE); and Dr Rock Mehanna, Board Member and Strategic Adviser to Evolutions and D&B Properties and ABMC, along with a number of ministers, ambassadors, heads of chambers of commerce, leaders of economic institutions from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Georgia and other countries.

In conclusion, the Global Investors Forum 2025 reaffirmed its leading role in transforming economic dialogue into practical steps and actionable agreements that open new horizons for international investment cooperation. The launch of the Saudi–Georgian Investment Platform stands as a testament to the forum’s ability to shape meaningful initiatives that support the shared economic visions of the Gulf and Eurasian regions. The platform also lays the groundwork for future projects capable of making a tangible impact on the pathways for development and regional integration.

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ATERMES and IEC secure Landmark Contract to Deploy AI-Powered Bird Repelling System at Lahore Airport

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A close-up view of ATERMES' SURICATE AI-enabled multi-sensor surveillance camera system, featuring an optical lens and sensor housing.

ATERMES, a French leader in advanced surveillance and security solutions, announces in partnership with The Imperial Electric Company (IEC), the award of a major contract by the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) for the deployment of a state-of-the-art Bird Repelling System (BRS) at Lahore International Airport.

This milestone project represents a first-of-its-kind integrated solution combining SURICATE, ATERMES’ advanced AI-enabled multi-sensor surveillance system, with acoustic and laser deterrence technologies. The system delivers a fully automated, intelligent, and environmentally friendly approach to mitigating bird-strike risks; one of aviation’s most persistent safety challenges.

The SURICATE system, developed by ATERMES in France, brings together cutting-edge optronics, embedded AI, and edge computing to continuously monitor airfields, identify potential avian threats in real time, and automatically activate deterrence mechanisms.

Once a bird threat is detected by the system’s deep-learning algorithms, SURICATE autonomously triggers the surrounding acoustic and laser repellers, driving the birds away from critical flight zones such as runways and taxiways.

This unique synergy between AI-based detection and automated multi-modal deterrence marks a turning point in airport security and environmental protection. Unlike traditional manual or time-based repelling systems, the BRS for Lahore Airport operates only when necessary, optimizing energy use and minimizing disturbance to the surrounding ecosystem.

Lionel Thomas, Chairman of ATERMES, stated: “This project is not just about technology; it’s about redefining how airports ensure safety through intelligence. By merging AI, optics, and deterrence, we’re transforming bird control into a predictive, autonomous, and eco-responsible process.”

Sajid Jamal, Executive Director of The Imperial Electric Company, added: “Our partnership with ATERMES reflects Pakistan’s growing commitment to embracing advanced, AI-driven safety systems. Lahore will become the first airport in the region equipped with such an integrated and intelligent Bird Repelling System.”

The project underscores a strong collaboration between France and Pakistan in technological innovation. ATERMES will provide the detection and control systems, while IEC, a key player in Pakistan’s engineering and infrastructure sectors, will oversee integration, installation, and local support. Together, they will ensure the delivery of a robust, scalable, and sustainable system that sets a benchmark for other international airports in the region.

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