Everything from autonomous vehicles to the use of AI in government was in the spotlight at Gitex Global 2024, the sprawling tech and startup show that’s snarling traffic near the World Trade Center. Here’s the rundown on what you need to know after the first two days:

AUTOMOTIVE-

#1- Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plans to launch a new autonomous electric pod system called Floc Duo Rail, Gulf News reports. The driverless pods will operate on rail tracks or dedicated road routes, carrying up to 16 passengers per pod.

Timeline: The pods are currently in the testing phase, with the authority planning to roll them out once they are “mature and safe to operate,” RTA rail maintenance director Hassan Al Mutawa said.

#2- Abu Dhabi Police launched a new autonomous patrol vehicle, Wam reports. This vehicle was introduced to improve security coverage, especially in residential and off-road environments through remote operations.

AEROSPACE-

The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority launched phase one of its aerospace platform Dubai Sky Map, it said on X. The map combines DCAA’s aviation-related services in one platform that broadcasts data, including air transport movements and cranes.

AI-

#1- There’s no escaping the bots: e& says it will introduce the UAE’s first “AI-powered human-digital advisors” in customer service roles, according to a press release. The roboadvisors will be designed to be “culturally sensitive,” multilingual, and simulate emotions and gestures as, well, humans do — without needing breaks, pay rises, or the like. Sifting the press release, the bit-based advisors will be “hyper-realistic digital representation of a real human.”

#2- Data analytics firm Presight AI launched an AI startup accelerator targeting companies in MENA, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, according to an ADX disclosure (pdf). The initiative launched on the sidelines of Expand North Star.

Also from Presight: The company signed an expanded partnership with US-based Intelligent Security Systems (ISS) to integrate its technology into ISS's portfolio across North and South America, according to a press release (pdf).

#3- Microsoft UAE will help train Dubai government employees in AI technologies, Wam reports. The initiative targets AI administrative staff and AI executives overseeing the development of AI strategies within the Dubai government.

#4- Masdar and AI analytics company Presight will introduce an AI-powered asset management tool for renewable energy projects, according to an ADX disclosure. The project is set to enter its main phase within the next four to six weeks, Presight COO Adel Al Sharji told CNBC Arabia (watch, runtime: 02:22).

DIGITAL ID-

The UAE will introduce “palm IDs” for the first time in the Middle East: The Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) partnered to introduce palm ID technology, Khaleej Times reports. Residents will provide palm biometrics at the ICP platform, allowing them to make payments and withdraw cash from ATMs by scanning their hand. Commuters will also be able to use the tech to ride the Metro without a card.

LEGALTECH-

DIFC has launched new digital services. They include wills for digital assets, self-service notarization for English documents, and online mediation services using an AI-based case management system. Tap or click here for the full rundown.

GOVTECH-

The Abu Dhabi government is rolling out AI tools including GovGPT for government employees, a decision-making platform to visualize performance indicators and data analytics, and an AI-powered audio platform for folks with visual impairment.

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