Astra Tech, a Dubai-based technology-focused investment company backed by Abu Dhabi’s artificial intelligence company G42, has partnered with MBZ University of AI to launch the first Arabic ChatGPT in the Middle East and Africa. The chatbot will be integrated into Astra’s Botim app, which caters to services such as international money transfers, bill payments, government services and weather checks, among others. The Arabic ChatGPT will help revolutionise access to these services through conversational commerce, according to Astra. The platform is designed to ensure that the information provided to users is current and accurate by continuously sourcing the latest information from local markets.
Initially, the chatbot will be available to a select group of Botim’s 100 million-plus user base and will be expanded to more users later. The chatbot is expected to be a one-stop shop for users in the region and will be expanded in the coming months to include additional services such as Botim’s stores and healthcare services.
Abdallah Abu Sheikh, CEO of Astra Tech, said the chatbot “marks another significant step towards simplifying people’s daily lives and transforming the global tech industry while also enhancing the capabilities of our upcoming ultra-app”. He added that Astra is excited to be at the forefront of technological innovation and creating new opportunities with local academic collaboration.
AI is expected to contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030, according to a report by PwC, and in the Middle East, AI is expected to accrue 2 per cent of the total global benefits, or $320 billion, by the end of this decade. Astra plans to develop an “ultra platform” that would allow sellers and consumers around the world to directly transact with each other on a single platform, eliminating the complexity of using several apps.
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