1. Aramco and Pascal launch Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer
Saudi Arabian oil giants Aramco and Pascal announced they have commissioned Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer and launched the Middle East’s first commercial quantum computing as a service (QCaaS) platform.
“This computer, installed at Aramco’s data center in Dhahran, will provide customers with instant, low-latency access to quantum hardware through a secure cloud platform to address complex industrial challenges,” the statement said.
Read more: Aramco and Pascal unveil Saudi Arabia’s first quantum computer
2. UAE advances agential AI agenda with federal framework for ministries
A month after announcing plans to automate 50% of governance tasks using agent AI, the UAE Cabinet has approved an implementation strategy for ministries and federal agencies. This is a step towards automated systems for workflows, services, and operational processes with limited human intervention.
This makes the UAE the first government in the world to attempt an AI operation of this scale. These AI systems are capable of multi-step tasks and decision-making, coordinating entire public sector functions. “The journey towards UAE Government 4.0 has begun,” said UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Read more: UAE advances agential AI agenda with federal framework for ministries
3. DEWA becomes first government agency to adopt Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is the first government agency in the UAE to adopt Microsoft 365 Copilot Cowork.
This confirms DEWA’s continued leadership in using AI to deliver services and represents a step forward in leveraging AI agents in the public sector’s daily operations.
This initiative marks a shift from AI that primarily provides information to AI that actively supports the execution of tasks, turning plans and goals into practical actions integrated into daily work.
4. Saudi Arabia’s Humaine appoints Goldman Sachs to advise on data center financing: Reuters
Saudi-backed AI company Humane has selected Goldman Sachs to advise it on a financing package to build at least $5.3 billion worth of data centers in the kingdom.
The move shows how Saudi Arabia, along with Gulf neighbors Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, are racing to expand computing capacity amid soaring demand. The country also relies on cheap energy to power its data centers. This is a selling point to attract large technology companies that are pushing AI adoption.
One of the sources said the data center will be developed in the Riyadh region.
5. Google and Blackstone partner on AI cloud venture
Google and Blackstone have announced a US-based AI cloud venture with an initial investment of $5 billion. The investment management firm revealed that the partnership will also help bring 500 megawatts of data center capacity online in 2027. The venture will provide data center capacity, operations, networking, and Google Cloud TPUs through a Computer-as-a-Service model.
Read more: Google and Blackstone launch AI cloud venture with $5 billion investment
6. Anthropic, Gates Foundation commit $200 million to AI in health and education
To harness AI for global health, education, and economic mobility, AI startup Anthropic and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a $200 million investment over four years. This includes funding for Anthropic’s Claude AI model, usage credits, and technical support for programs in the U.S. and other regions.
Read more: Anthropic, Gates Foundation commit $200 million to AI in healthcare, education
7. OpenAI wins after high-stakes trial: Musk’s concerns came late
A California jury has returned a verdict in favor of OpenAI and Sam Altman in one of the tech industry’s most high-profile legal battles. The three-week trial investigated the origins of OpenAI and revealed competing narratives from Altman and Elon Musk. Jurors concluded that Musk moved too late to challenge OpenAI’s restructuring.
Read more: Jury hands victory to Sam Altman and OpenAI in high-stakes trial with Elon Musk
8. Replace or empower employees? AI experts disagree
Recent job cuts announced by Meta, Oracle and Standard Chartered have brought the debate about whether AI is a boon or threat to the workforce back into the spotlight. Top AI voices have been vocal about the technology’s impact on jobs, and have argued both for and against mass displacement. Andrew Ng calls concerns “overreach,” Demis Hassabis emphasizes productivity gains and redeployment, and Mustafa Suleiman warns that many white-collar roles could soon disappear.
Read more: Experts disagree on whether AI will replace or empower workers
