Daily Archives: January 5, 2026

Technologies

TII Launches Falcon Reasoning: Best 7B AI Model Globally, AlsoOutperformsLarger Models

  • Falcon H1R 7B Packs Advanced Reasoning into a Compact 7 Billion Parameter Model Optimized for Speed and Efficiency
  • TII’s Latest AI Model Outperforms Larger Rivals from Microsoft, Alibaba, and NVIDIA on Key Benchmarks

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 5 January 2026: The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), the applied research pillar of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has announced the release of Falcon H1R 7B, a next-generation AI model that takes a significant step toward making advanced AI more accessible than ever, by delivering world-class reasoning performance in a compact, efficient, and openly available format.

Continue reading TII Launches Falcon Reasoning: Best 7B AI Model Globally, AlsoOutperformsLarger Models →
Food & Dining, Hotels & Hosppitality

Waldorf Astoria DIFC Rings in the New Year with a Vegan Business Lunch and Wellness Spa Offering

Available throughout January, Bull & Bear introduces a vegan business lunch alongside its signature business lunch,encouraging diners to explore the venues plant-based offerings,with a two-course menu for Dh125 and three-courses for Dh155

Waldorf Astoria Spa DIFC is also introducing a 60-minute Stress Relief and Dune Bliss massage wellness experience completewithpost-spa healthy lunch in Peacock Alley DIFC and pool and gym access for Dh900

Dubai, UAE – 5January:Waldorf Astoria DIFC is kicking off the New Year with a wellness-focused offering, featuring a plant-based business lunch at Bull & Bear in honour of Veganuary, as well as an indulgent spa package designed to rejuvenate body and mind.

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Business & Investments, Education

Online Trading Academy targets 1,500 enrolments in 10 years, with third franchise agreement extension and new Arabic curriculum

Dubai, UAE – January05, 2025:Online Trading Academy Dubai, one of the region’s most established centres for hands-on financial education, has renewed its franchise agreement for a for another 10-year period, marking a powerful commitment to the UAE and a bold new era of regional growth. This is the third such agreement since the brand’s initial establishment in Dubai.Backed by a 28-year global legacy and a renewed vision under TradingEDU LLC, the Dubai centre is expanding its reach, growing its community, and targeting 1,500 new graduates over the next decade.

Tareq Abu Hantash, Managing Director of OTA Dubai.

“Extending our franchise for another decade represents far more than continuity. It’s a milestone that reflects our confidence in the UAE, our dedication to student success, and our belief in the growing financial literacy movement across the Middle East,” said Tareq Abu Hantash, Managing Director of OTA Dubai.

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Sports & Recreations

Desert Vipers seal historic first DP World ILT20 crown after 46-run victory over MI Emirates  

  • Sam Curran’s unbeaten 74 took his side to an impressive 182/4
  • The Vipers’ comprehensive bowling performance bundled the MI Emirates for 136 in 18.3 overs
  • Curran finishes the tournament as the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and the Green Belt (Best Batter) winner
  • Tickets for DP World ILT20 Season 4 can be purchased from the ticketing platform Virgin Megastore – link: tickets.ilt20.ae 
  • For photos from DP World ILT20 Season 4, click here   

Dubai, 5 January 2026: The Desert Vipers secured their maiden DP World ILT20 trophy after beating MI Emirates by 46 runs in front of a packed Dubai International Stadium on Sunday night. The Desert Vipers took home a cash prize of USD 700,000 along with the Black Belt, while MI Emirates were awarded USD 300,000.

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Technologies

Magna AI Joins NVIDIA Inception

Program to Advance Production-Grade AI at Scale 

January 5, 2026, Riyadh, KSA: Magna AI, a global full-value-chain AI Transformation Leader established through a partnership between Trend Micro and Wistron, today announced that it has joined the elite ranks of global AI organizations delivering production-scale intelligence as part of the NVIDIA Inception program.

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